PAW Patrol’s heroic pups are on a roll this summer and ready to spread the word about the importance of water safety, through the PAW Patrol Safety First! prosocial initiative.
The water safety program, created in partnership with world champion swimmer and water safety advocate Michael Phelps, launches today with a public service announcement.
Starring Phelps, who also serves as the PAW Patrol Safety First! global water safety ambassador, the spot will be featured on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels, as well as both channels’ social media and digital platforms.
The PSA, which features the PAW Patrol pups as well as Phelps and his son Boomer, utilises a sing-along format to teach the “ABCs and 123s of Swim Safety”—the core principles that will help kids keep safe as they try to beat the heat this summer with water-based activities.
An important way to make sure everyone feels safe and confident in the water, the ABCs for adults include:
- A—Adult Supervision: always be within arms distance of kids, providing focused supervision
- B—Barriers: all pools should have a barrier for entry and a self-latching gate, and
- C—Classes: that concentrate on swimming for kids and CPR for adults.
While the 123s of Swim Safety for kids include:
- 1—Never swim alone: ask a grownup if you want to jump in
- 2—Know your surroundings: look around and know which is the shallow and deep end, and
- 3—Take swimming classes: learn basic swimming skills like floating and strokes before getting in the pool.
“Water Safety has been a priority in my family since I was a child as my mum was adamant that my sisters and I learn to swim for safety purposes,” Phelps said in a statement.
“The statistics around accidental drowning are alarming and we want to help educate and encourage families with a few basic tips in a fun and informative way, thanks to Nickelodeon and the PAW Patrol pups.”
Royal Life Saving Australia’s 2020 National Drowning Report found 50 per cent of drowning fatalities of children between 0 and four happened in a swimming pool with 75 per cent as a result of a fall.
Moreover, 25 per cent of drowning fatalities of children aged between five and 14 were also in a swimming pool, with 56 per cent as a result of swimming and recreation.
In addition to the PSA, Nickelodeon has partnered with the Michael Phelps Foundation to develop an interactive PAW Patrol Swim Safety toolkit, currently available at nickjr.com.au/watersafety.
