Recently, a group of Launceston Aquatic Club (LAC) swimmers headed to Lake Trevallyn to learn about safety in open water, particularly timely with the warm weather upon us and a spate of summer drownings across the country.
The program was conducted by Geoff Lyons OAM from Surf Lifesaving Tasmania and introduced swimmers to a practical session on safety in open water.
Topics covered included the need for life jackets (PFDs), important things to know if a motor on a boat fails, how to reduce heat loss in cold water and the best way to swim in windy/choppy conditions.
The session finished with swimmers taking part in fun activities including the use of paddling boards and kayaks and an up close look at a 'rubber ducky'.
This was a totally different experience for swimmers who are normally used to following a black line in a clear pool at the Launceston Aquatic Centre, often six days a week, and who can always see the bottom.
The swimmers' competitive streaks kicked in on the paddling boards and it was an informative and fun session.
The team is looking forward to catching up with Geoff again next summer.
