The campaign aims to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention among young children and their families through engaging stories, songs and play-based learning experiences delivered in libraries across Australia.
For one week only, selected Libraries ACT Story Time sessions will feature a special water safety theme, replacing regular programming with interactive activities designed to build early literacy skills while reinforcing important safety messages around water.
The initiative reflects Libraries ACT's ongoing commitment to lifelong learning, community wellbeing and family engagement by creating accessible and enjoyable educational opportunities for children and their caregivers.
Throughout the themed Story Time sessions, children and families will enjoy a range of activities that combine reading, movement, music and creativity. Featured books will include Living with Water, Boo's Adventure and titles from the Wise Owl collection, helping young audiences explore water safety concepts in an age-appropriate and engaging way.
Sessions will also include water safety-themed craft activities, songs and rhymes such as Kids Alive Do the Five and Sunscreen March, as well as simple yoga poses and movement-based activities. Librarians will incorporate water safety discussions throughout the program, supporting children to learn essential safety habits while having fun.
The Spring Safe Storytime campaign has been developed to:
- Promote early literacy and a love of reading.
- Increase awareness of water safety and drowning prevention among young children and their caregivers.
- Provide accessible and engaging learning opportunities for families.
- Strengthen community connections through participation in a national library campaign.
By combining trusted literacy practices with practical water safety education, Libraries ACT is helping families develop knowledge and skills that can contribute to safer experiences around water.
Families interested in learning more about the campaign and accessing free water safety resources can visit the Kids Alive Do the Five website at: https://kidsalive.com.au/online-books/.
About Spring Safe Storytime
Spring Safe Storytime is a national initiative of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) in partnership with Kids Alive Do the Five. The program uses stories, songs and play-based learning to promote water safety awareness and support drowning prevention education for young children and their families.
