New locations have been announced for the Royal Life Saving NSW Active Adults campaign, which provides opportunities for older Australians to take to the water and make the most of the health, fitness, social and safety benefits of structured water activities.
Programs have been released for Maitland, Bateman’s Bay and the NSW Central Coast.
The water courses consist of three, one-hour sessions – a CPR demonstration and review of health factors to consider when exercising, an in-pool water-safety session, and a swimming or water activity such as aqua aerobics.
Royal Life Saving NSW Manager for Hunter, Tanya Brunckhorst said that as physical health and mobility limitations are contributing factors to 21% of drownings in older adults, building strength and fitness through regular activity can play a major role in drowning prevention.
“Building your fitness and confidence around the water is as important as it was when you first learned to swim as a child, and we are calling all older adults to seek out new ways to become active adults,” she said.
“Last year, the leading contributing factors in drownings among Australians over 65 included low levels of fitness, trips or falls, lack of swimming and survival skills and underlying health conditions. The 65 to 74 year age group is one of our most vulnerable populations, representing 30 per cent of those who drowned last year.
“Any regular, structured activity helps build fitness, improves your ability to manage in the water and offers fantastic social community benefits,” Ms Brunckhorst said.
Participation rates show older Australians are highly motivated to stay connected with their communities, however 60% of over 65’s are under-active, reporting only four sessions of physical activity per week compared with 10 sessions per week for active adults.
“No matter your age or ability, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in an aquatic activity that suits you: swimming at your local pool, attending an aqua aerobics class, yoga or Tai chi by the lake, enjoying a walk along our inland and coastal waterways, kayaking or boating with friends and family,” said Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison.
“Local pools and aquatic centres are also fantastic social hubs for people to stay connected with their community.”
Upcoming Connecting Seniors courses:
- Maitland 4th April to 18th April
- Tenterfield 24 March to 8 April
- Gosford May 7, 14, 21
For information on future courses and how to register visit www.drowningprevention.org.au/active-adults.
