Tyrone Rasmussen, Ebony Chittendden, Mere Young and Hunter Fenton.
Camera IconTyrone Rasmussen, Ebony Chittendden, Mere Young and Hunter Fenton. Credit: Supplied/Kristie Lim

West Morley PS students get a Junior Crew lesson on water safety

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

ABOUT 40 West Morley Primary School students became boat skippers and learnt about water safety during the school’s first Junior Crew visit this afternoon.

The students climbed aboard a patrol vessel and experienced a flare demonstration with marine officers as part of the Department of Transport’s Junior Crew program.

Junior Crew was launched in 2009 to introduce children in years 3-5 with hands-on learning activities and since the program was updated last year 100 schools across WA have implemented the program.

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The program provided teachers resources that provide students with basic water safety skills and knowledge.

Principal Peter Hardy said it was a great visit, which fitted in with the school’s River Rangers program that was launched last year.

“I think that is where schools can play an integral part of providing safety tips and information around the use of our beautiful reefs and oceans,” he said.

“A big part of the program is to trying to get the kids to teach the adults.”

Department safety education manager Laurie Adams said Junior Crew taught kids about safety equipment, weather, overloading and buoyancy of a boat and the importance of logging on and off each voyage.

“While the incursion is designed as a fun and engaging learning opportunity, there is a serious message for the students reinforcing the importance of safety on the water, not only for skippers but also passengers,” he said.

For more information or to order a resource pack visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/juniorcrew.

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