There may not be any such thing as a free lunch in Australia, but your family can enjoy free swim entry on Saturday 10 October at Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre as part of their Active Family Fun Day.

In partnership with Royal Life Saving, Blue Mountains City Council and Katoomba Sports and 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 PlayStation2®, 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.

The Active Family Fun Day will be held in conjunction with the UNCLE TOBYS® Big Splash Swimathon to help raise funds for the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia to reduce child drowning.

Mayor of Blue Mountains City Council, Clr Adam Searle, said they were delighted to promote water safety by hosting an UNCLE TOBYS® Big Splash Swimathon.  "Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre are involved in the UNCLE TOBYS® Big Splash Swimathon because any opportunity to improve water safety is worthwhile," Mayor Searle said.  "It's also a great way to get all of the community involved in a healthy activity. 

Media are welcome to attend. Given the laws around photographing and interviewing children, media are asked to contact the Coordinator, Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre on (02) 4780 5156 or Monique Sharp, National Manager Events, Royal Life Saving on (02) 8217 3123, mobile: 0403 428 616 to advise they are attending.

Active Family Fun Day - Summary Details

Date:      Saturday 10 October 2009 
Time:     11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre, Catalina Avenue, Katoomba - Phone: (02) 4780 5156