Aussie Parents Warned After Family’s Scary Ocean Experience
A South Australian mum shares her near-drowning story to highlight the importance of water safety for kids this summer
Moonta Beach, South Australia, Drowning Prevention, Water Safety, Swimming Lessons
Moonta Beach: A South Australian mum, Tiffany, recently shared a chilling experience from her childhood that really drives home the need for water safety. She believes knowing how to float could save lives, especially as families head to the beach this summer.
When Tiffany was a teenager, she and her younger siblings decided to swim out to a pontoon. They were all good swimmers, but things took a turn when her brother accidentally swallowed some water and panicked. Suddenly, Tiffany found herself trying to keep both her siblings calm and safe.
She quickly remembered her swimming lessons and told her sister to float on her back while she helped her brother. It was a tense moment, but that floating skill ended up saving all their lives. Tiffany now teaches parents and kids about the importance of floating to survive in emergencies.
According to her, floating helps conserve energy and keeps you calm, which can be crucial in a water crisis. Lifeguard Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins agrees, emphasizing that staying calm can make all the difference.
Recent reports show a worrying rise in drowning incidents in Australia, with 323 deaths last year alone. Many of these were preventable, highlighting the need for better water safety education.
Tiffany encourages parents to get their kids into swimming lessons early and to practice floating every time they’re in the water. She stresses the importance of supervision and swimming in safe areas, especially where lifeguards are present.
With her own kids, Tiffany uses positive language to help them stay calm in the water. It’s all about building confidence and ensuring everyone knows how to handle themselves in an emergency.