For Immediate Release – 19 November 2009
FREE ACTIVE FAMILY FUN DAY AT MAITLAND AQUATIC CENTRE
SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2009
There may not be any such thing as a free lunch in Australia, but your family can enjoy free swim entry on
Sunday 29 November at Maitland Aquatic Centre as part of their Active Family Fun Day.
In partnership with Royal Life Saving, Maitland City Council and Maitland Aquatic Centre, the Active Family
Fun Day is a chance for mums and dads to get into the water with their children and practice water safety
techniques in a fun and safe environment.
Families are encouraged to participate in a range of water safety activities which are grouped according to
the children’s age. For younger children, they practice blowing bubbles with their parents, and have fun
with popular games such as Safety Simon Says which convey basic water safety knowledge. Older children
can show off their swimming style in noodle races and learn rope throwing skills that could one day help
them save someone’s life. Families can also learn the basic principles of resuscitation and receive a Keep
Watch PoolWerx Resuscitation Magnet for their home.
With the generous support of the Sony Foundation Australia, children who participate in the activities are
given the chance to win great prizes including a Sony PSP
®
, Sony CDs and DVDs.
David Macallister, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving NSW said while the day was designed to
engage children of all ages there are serious reasons for families to come along to the event.
“While pools are great fun for children, if something goes wrong it happens very quickly so families need to
be alert to the risks,” Mr Macallister said.
“We want everyone to enjoy their time in the water. We know kids retain more of the water safety
knowledge they gain through games and age-appropriate activities”.
“All the activities are based on the popular Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive program, which is
conducted in 8000 schools and 1000 pools nationally. Participants in the program learn swimming and
aquatic survival skills and can range in age from 5-14 years”.
“One of the most popular activities at the Active Family Fun Day for the whole family is the resuscitation
demonstrations showcasing the latest CPR techniques. You hope you’ll never need to use those skills, but if
the worst happens it’s reassuring to know you can intervene to help.”
Active Family Fun Day – Summary Details
Date:
Sunday 29 November 2009
Time:
11:00am - 2:00pm
Location:
Maitland Aquatic Centre, Les Darcy Drive, Maitland - Phone: (02) 4933 5073
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Media are welcome to attend. Given the laws around photographing and interviewing children, media are
asked to contact Matt Sharman, Hunter Regional Manager, Royal Life Saving on (02) 4929 5600, mobile:
0429 027 076 to advise if they are attending.
NEWS 
