WA primary teachers encouraged to get on board updated Junior Crew

The popular Department of Transport (DoT) primary school education program Junior Crew has been updated to provide WA's next generation of boat skippers early learning about safety on the water.

Since its launch in 2009 more than 400 copies of the resource have been distributed to WA schools to introduce children in years three, four and five to water safety with fun hands on learning activities. The number of schools using the resource peaked in 2012 with 235 schools and 380 teachers implementing the program in WA.

DoT's Manager Safety Education Laurie Adams said after working closely with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, the program had been updated to align with recent changes to the school curriculum in WA.

"Going forward WA teachers can continue to have confidence in this wonderful program which to date has been hugely successful in delivering boating safety messages to our youngest mariners," Mr Adams said.

A new Junior Crew activity book is now included in the bank of resources available to teachers using the program which provides students with a basic understanding of the skills and knowledge required to be safe on the water.

The program provides a professionally produced resource pack for teachers including learning aides such as a story book introducing students to Skip the Boat Safe Bird, posters to promote discussion, worksheets catering for differing year levels and flash cards for use in lesson delivery.

A feature of the program allows for students to receive a visit from Skip, DoT marine officers and a patrol vessel. For more information about the Junior Crew program or to order a resource pack teachers can visit Junior Crew page.

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au