Former Olympic swimmer and father-of-three, Michael Klim, has traded in the Olympic pool for a life of business and fatherhood, but swimming is never far from his thoughts.
Water safety has always been a huge passion for the the Gold medallist and Milk & Co skincare owner, so it seemed only natural when Klim opened KLIM Swim in Melbourne over 20 years ago. The Learn To Swim operation aims to provide quality swimming tuition to participants of all ages and abilities, particularly infants and children.
With Klim’s experience in the pool (and his role as father) he felt compelled to pass on his knowledge to the children of the future. He has worked hard to establish the Swim centre and ensure it’s reputation with parents and schools in the Richmond community.
We recently sat down with the KLIM Swim owner to get his top summer safety tips that every parent should know this sunny season.
1 // SWIMMING LESSONS
Enrol your children in year-round swimming lessons. Nothing beats having water confidence and knowledge. Our instructors at Klim Swim incorporate water safety skills such as treading water, survival strokes and floating in their weekly lessons.
2 // SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS
When you are at the beach always ensure your children are swimming between the red and yellow flags.
3 // SUN PROTECTION
3 // SUN PROTECTIONSun protection is also very important. It should be ritualistic at the start of the day and especially when you are on holidays. Always remember to reapply throughout the day as the kids are running in and out of the pool, drying themselves and sweating the sunscreen off. Try Milk & Co Protect Me Sunscreen SPF 30+
4 // HYDRATION
Make sure your little ones are well hydrated.
5 // DON’T USE FLOTATION DEVICES AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR SUPERVISION
5 // DON’T USE FLOTATION DEVICES AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR SUPERVISIONEnsure you are actively supervising and focusing on your children in the water and always be within arm’s reach.
6 // BE WATER SAFE AT HOME
Empty small vessels of water (such as baths and buckets) even if they don’t appear to be a threat. Also ensure all pool fencing is working properly, and never prop the pool gate open.
7 // LEARN CPR
I would encourage all parents to enrol in a course today, a 4 hour course may save your children’s life.
8 // SWIMMING SIGNALS
8 // SWIMMING SIGNALSTeach your child how to ask for help in the water. The signal for help is to raise your hand, open hand up in the air (no waving around) and call for help.
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