Building on the success of our Puggles Swim program, Deaf Children Australia has launched Puggles Open Water, a free suite of online resources created for lifeguards, parents, carers, schools and swim or surf clubs.
The program reduces barriers for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families when enjoying the beach, rivers, dams or other bodies of water. For clubs, it includes a short course to build deaf awareness and introduce water-friendly Auslan signs. For children, fun and engaging online games use play to teach safety, water awareness, and basic floating skills. For parents and carers, simple activities and resources provide practical tactics to help families feel safe and confident around open water.
Puggles Open Water was proudly supported by the Phillips Foundation and launched at SWIMCON25 in Adelaide last month.
