Life-saving skills

By Contributed

Feb 14, 2025

Katamatite students enjoyed a taste of the outdoors last week during a water safety course at Thompsons Beach.

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The Years 4-6 students covered a range of essential water safety skills, including how to assist someone in distress and how to use a life jacket effectively.

Katamatite Primary School principal Jason Whiteley highlighted the importance of the program for his students.

"Living in a rural area with so many rivers, lakes, and dams nearby, it’s crucial that our students have the skills and confidence to stay safe around water,” he said.

The students listened attentively. Photo by Contributed

“Life Saving Victoria’s program not only teaches essential lifesaving techniques but also builds awareness of potential dangers and how to respond in an emergency.

“These are skills that could one day save a life.”

Educators from Life Saving Victoria worked closely with the students, one of whom came away with a greater insight into water safety.

"One of the lessons that stood out to me was to always check for dangers in the water before swimming and to go swimming with another person, preferably over the age of 16,” the student said.

The program is part of the school’s commitment to ensuring students grasp not only water safety theory, but also the confidence to apply it in real-life situations.