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‘YMCA Learn To Swim’ Saved Chloe’s Life
Tuesday, 31st May 2011
In 2010, 314 Australians drowned in pools, those most vulnerable were children under the age of 5.
Chloe, 5 years old and living with Down syndrome nearly drowned in her own swimming pool. Her mother Michelle believes she wouldn’t have survived if it weren’t for her swimming lessons at YMCA Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre.
Chloe had been playing in the backyard with her older brother Luke, when Michelle went inside to get a sunhat. While she was gone, Luke climbed up and opened the pool gate after which Chloe immediately ran and jumped in the water without her floatation device on. When Michelle returned to find her daughter standing by the pool dripping wet she was frantic, before learning that Chloe had jumped in then astoundingly saved herself using the skills she’s developed in Learn to Swim.
Chloe had been attending one-on-one swimming classes with YMCA instructor Kate from Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre for 2 ½ years at the time.
“Kate has repetitively shown Chloe how to save herself if she fell into a pool and also taught her how to swim. She is so patient with Chloe and I am glad to have her teaching my daughter such a necessity in life. I have no doubt if it wasn’t for Kate and her team, Chloe would no longer be with us.”
Michelle- Chloe’s Mum
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