While it may be possible to teach young infants basic motor skills in water, infants cannot, and should not, be expected to know how to swim or to be able to react appropriately in emergencies.
Australians are emerging from winter and, where possible, enjoying trips to beaches and public pools, beach-side picnics, barbecues and get-togethers. Here’s how to reduce your COVID-risk.
In Australia, public swimming pools are significant community assets. But for some groups - like solo parents - access can be limited.
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Active supervision of children at public pools is crucial. But with a few creative policy interventions, we can make it easier for solo parents to visit the pool with kids in tow.
The Memory Pool’s author Therese Spruhan has her own favourite, the Northbridge Baths in Sydney.
Therese Spruhan
Our public pools are cherished places: just ask 28 Australians for their recollections. But there was a time when not everyone was welcome in the pools.
The ocean pool is a familiar sight in New South Wales but isn’t nearly as common elsewhere.
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New South Wales boasts many wonderful ocean pools, thanks to a combination of climate, geology, culture and prosperity. Despite concerns about costs, economic and health benefits far outweigh these.
If public pools matter to you, tell us why on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #myfavouritepool. This is Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool at Woolloomooloo Bay in Sydney.
Flickr/Dan
Sunanda Creagh, The Conversation e Molly Glassey, The Conversation
Over the coming weeks, we will be publishing a series of stories on why public pools matter - to the economy, to social well-being and to our shared history. But we also want to hear from you.
ParentsNext requires places like libraries and public pools to monitor parents’ attendance at activities. This undermines their role as spaces of inclusion and support.
Badeschi on the Spree River in Berlin.
Nordicbird/Flickr
Community proposals for public swimming pools are popping up all over the country. But individuals need to work with governments to ensure these projects actually get off the ground.