Brookvale Public School

On the 14th of November we had our Beach Awareness Program. A Lifesaver went to our school. He taught us how to swim safely, what to do when were drowning, beach safety and where to swim. He told us about different waves and how to surf properly. What would happen when you break your Spinal cord? He told us about were to surf and you can't go surfing like in the flags where people swim. It's just swimming in the flags.

He told us about when you break your back bone or damaged your spinal chord you have to sit on a wheelchair for the rest of your life. He told us to check the pool depth first before diving. You surf safely by putting your hand out while surfing and always check the depth first.
 
 

On Tuesday 14th a Lifesaver from Warringah Council came to talk to us about beach safety. We were told to swim between the flags and other beach safety information. He told us to check the water depth first before we went in and he showed us pictures of people doing the wrong thing.

He told us if we break our spinal cord we have to sit on a wheelchair  forever. He told us about currents and what to do if there was a rip which pulled you out into the ocean from the beach  and he told us some stories that had happened to people.

He told us  lots of other important things we needed to know about going to the beach too.

This term Years 5 and 6 went to the Library and there was a man who told us about accidents that have been happening at beaches and about beach safety. He was a lifeguard. First he showed us pictures and while he was showing each picture he told us what it was about and what happened. There were pictures of them saving people before they were going to drown.

He told us never to panic when we're drowning and to put our hand up straight until someone comes and saves us. He said it could be a lifeguard or someone just surfing or swimming at the beach. He also told us about what the signs in beaches are for or what they mean. There was a Blue Bottle (they are stinging jellyfish) sign, a sign that says the beach is closed, rocks in beaches and other signs.

He said that there was a person that got stuck in a water pipe and that when we Have heavy rain, garbage that is laying around goes to the water pipes and goes to the beaches. That's when why some beaches are closed.

Then he said to not swim alone specially when your near a very deep pool or at night. He said we could drown. He also said if there is an adult with us that's all right but if they're asleep or in the car you still shouldn't swim.

He showed us pictures of people on a cliff and then he said not to stand at the edge of the cliff because most edges are slippery and we might slip off. He also said not to look for crabs facing backwards from the water, he said to be careful of sharks of Sydney.

He told us safety things on motor bikes and bikes. He told us to wear helmets and always be careful. He showed us pictures of people riding bikes and skateboards. He said that they should also wear helmets and safety gears because if they fall they could damage their body. He told us how most people are on wheelchairs from hurting their heads or backs and I think it was very sad.

There were lots of pictures that we saw and it took us about an hour to finish. Some people got bored but I think it was important to learn about safety. I had a nice day even when it was raining badly.
 

On the 14th of November 2000 Years 5 and 6 had went into the library after recess to see the Beach Awareness. It was about beach safety and other safety.

There was a lifeguard who came from Warringah Council and first told us about the accidents that had happened in recent years. There were total 16 people had been injured from the surf. The lifeguard showed us some pictures of the signs that you could often see them on the shore. Some of the signs that said 'BEACH CLOSED' which meant don't go to swimming because the tide will come up.

He then showed us some other pictures while he was showing us the pictures he told us what happened and what was about. Some pictures were about them saving people who were nearly going to drown.

He then showed us the equipment for saving people that he had brought. He also told us don't panic if you are going to drown, you have to put your hand up so that someone could see you and rescue you. It could be a lifeguard or one of your friends or your family.

He told us never stand on the edge of a cliff. He showed us a picture of a man who fell down the cliff and bumped his head on the rocks in the river. He told us never swim alone in the deep water or pool. If there is a friend or a person who is in the same pool or near you that's all right. The lifeguard told us that we should check the water or the lake to see if it is shallow or whether there's some rocks in it or not.

He told us to be careful with sharks in Sydney when you go to the beach for a  swim in the sea. He told us that a long time ago he rescued a man who's leg had been bitten by a shark.

The lifeguard told us some other safety things such as riding a motorbike on the driveway, you have to wear a helmet to protect you head when you fall. We all learned lots things about beach safety.