Australian swimming legend and radio personality Susie O’Neill this week joined local families for a poolside story time session at Bundamba Swim Centre, as part of Ipswich Libraries’ First 5 Forever Dive into Books program.
Ms O’Neill said the program was a great way to teach young children about water safety while promoting early literacy.
“My kids, who are now in their teens, were both in the water before they could walk,” Ms O’Neill said.
“They used to love going to the local pool, which was just like this one, and they’d have so much fun in the kids play area.
“Getting excited about reading was a bit harder for me, so I really had to work on that with my kids, but we were always at the library.
“It’s great that now you can combine literacy and water safety, with things like the Kids Alive books and the Dive into Books program.”
The former Olympian got on stage to dance and sing about water safety with the kids
Ipswich libraries and customer services manager Sylvia Swalling said grant funding made the innovative program possible.
“We were awarded grant funding through the Queensland Government’s First 5 Forever program, which allowed us to think outside the box and offer local families a unique way to support their children’s early literacy development,” she said.
“We’re proud to be leading the way in modelling how important water safety messages can be incorporated into early literacy programs.
“We are also very pleased to have been able to partner with the Kids Alive – Do the Five water safety program, as well as the Bundamba Swim Centre who offer free entry to families who attend the Dive into Books sessions.”
Ipswich Libraries staff read stories, sang and danced
Local families enjoyed the special Dive into Books session
The program will ultimately produce a video which will be used by swimming coach Laurie Lawrence’s Kids Alive – Do the Five water safety program.
“We know children learn best by rhythm, rhyme and song, so our Kids Alive program is all about using the power of stories, music, art and games to share important water safety messages,” Mr Lawrence said.
“Once the Kids Alive characters come alive in young children’s minds, it really helps them to relate to and learn about water safety.
“It’s great to have positive role models like Susie O’Neill involved in the Dive into Books program, it helps people connect with the water safety messages.
“The program’s video will be used to educate and inspire wider community groups to take ownership of the Kids Alive – Do the Five message and deliver water safety education in their community.
“By working with key people in the community we can save lives.”
Susie O’Neill and Laurie Lawrence with kids at the event
Mr Lawrence said the first five years of a child’s life were critical.
“Drowning remains the highest cause of accidental death in children under five in Australia,” he said.
“Those early years are so important, in fact children can start water familiarisation as soon as they come home from hospital.
“If you want to progress your kids’ water abilities quickly, you can’t just rely on weekly swimming lessons, you have to get down to the local pool as often as you can.
“Just like if you want your kids to read well, you’ve got to get to the library regularly.”
Kids and parents alike had fun at the event
The final First 5 Forever Dive into Books session will be held on Wednesday, 25 March at Bundamba Swim Centre at 9.30 to 10.30am. Registration is not required. Learn more on the Ipswich Libraries website.
First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by the State Library of Queensland.
