Puggles Open Water
Puggles Open Water is an online suite of free interactive resources specifically created to support lifeguards, parents, carers, schools and swim/surf clubs.
The aim is to build confidence with ways, tips and tactics to include deaf and hard-of-hearing children at the beach, river, dam or estuary.
Our resources, games and videos have been developed with the support, advice and feedback from Sunny Skye’s Aquatics and Wellness Hub, Swim.org (ASCTA), Deaf Children Australia and Royal Life Saving Society Australia,
Why Puggles Open Water?
For deaf and hard of hearing children and their families, the barriers are high considering sound plays an important part of flagging hazards at the beach or at inland waterways – from a lifesavers whistle, to a mum calling out about a hazard, to the confusion of pounding surf or a noisy river.
For a child planning to go swimming, invariably without their hearing aids (as these should not get wet) the soundscapes that are part of everyday life around open water are difficult and challenging!
Puggles Open Water aims take the lead on helping to prevent drownings of DHH children by providing practical and relevant resources, to encourage DHH children to have fun around our inland waterways.
Resources
- Downloadable resources for parents with tips and tactics for engaging DHH children around open water
- Activity ideas for children to do and play around and in open water
- Simple interactives games for children (2-6yrs)
- An interactive PowerPoint course that will provide clubs with a resource they can use during a team or committee meeting on deaf awareness and communication tips
- Auslan sign videos for words to use at the beach, creek, estuary, river, dam, and pond
We are grateful to our generous donors whose continued support allows us to deliver Puggles Swim program to help make children feel safe and supported in the water.
Please continue to donate to help us keep this program accessible for all who need it.
