How Hayley’s children’s book is helping teach water safety beyond Lawnton’s pool

With ten years of experience as a Swim Teacher at Belgravia Leisure, Hayley Shaw has turned her passion for swimming and water safety at Lawnton Aquatic Centre into impact by becoming a published author of an accessible children’s book, Purlie Learns to Float.

A Moreton Bay mum of three boys, Hayley has applied her first-hand experience teaching young children and knows interactive formats like reading have the power to build skills for life.

The book is designed to introduce young readers to essential water safety concepts in an engaging and accessible way.

Hayley is also an advocate for access and inclusion, having taught many private classes throughout the years and is Autism Swim certified.

Venue Manager, Kimberley Kettles, said:

“At Lawnton, we’re proud to support Hayley’s book launch and signing in October, recognising her innovation and commitment to water safety education.

“We’ve also donated copies to local school libraries and kindergartens so more children and families can access this valuable resource and continue learning about water safety in a fun way.”

Instilling lifelong, positive water safety habits

Set among the natural waterways of the Moreton Bay region, Purlie Learns to Float follows a cast of native Australian animals as they learn about swimming and water safety.

Written and published by Hayley and illustrated by a local artist, the book encourages children to develop positive attitudes towards swimming and water confidence from an early age.

The book also acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land and embraces inclusive representation. The main character, Purlie, is intentionally written without a specified gender.

Hayley said her goal is to help more children discover the benefits of learning to swim.

“I love working with kids, teaching skills as a Swim Teacher and helping those with all abilities connect to leisure. Over the last 10 years, I have taught GOswim infant and school swimming programs and classes for all ages.

“I truly believe all children should have access to swimming lessons. I hope to publish a second book based on Purlie’s adventures in the future.”

Cheryl Mclennan, Belgravia Leisure Product Development Manager for Aquatics, said the book complements the important work delivered through structured learn-to-swim programs.

“Hayley’s Purlie Learns to Float is a wonderful example of creative water safety education at a local level. Resources like this help reinforce important skills and create additional opportunities for children and parents to engage with key water safety messages, including learning how to float and stay calm in the water.”

Programs like Swimming Australia’s GOswim program, delivered at over 90 Australian Belgravia Leisure venues and New Zealand’s Swim Tangaroa program strengthen swimming ability and water safety knowledge, in addition to initiatives such as Float to Survive which focuses on dedicated survival skill development.

Inclusion remains central to Belgravia Leisure’s approach, embedded in the organisation’s Social Inclusion Policy and ongoing commitment to ensuring everyone has access to opportunities, supported by the Belgravia Foundation.

To learn more about Lawnton Aquatic Centre, visit the website.

Key facts:

• Lawnton Aquatic Centre Swim Teacher Hayley Shaw has published her first children’s book, Purlie Learns to Float
• Hayley has more than 10 years’ experience teaching swimming and water safety through Belgravia Leisure programs
• The book uses storytelling and native Australian animal characters to introduce children to important water safety concepts
• Hayley is Autism Swim certified and is a passionate advocate for inclusive aquatic education
• Copies of the book have been donated to local school libraries and kindergartens to support community access
• The book complements water safety initiatives including GOswim, Swim Tangaroa and Float to Survive programs delivered across the Belgravia Leisure network
• Purlie Learns to Float demonstrates the power of innovative, community-led approaches to building water confidence and lifelong safety skills for children.

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