Following the latest spike in drownings across NSW this summer, the children headed down to Diamond Beach to talk with the lifeguards about how they can have fun in the water while remaining safe.

Kiddies Hut educator Jessica Lynch said the children can use the knowledge throughout the year.

"We've found it really important to be speaking to the children at our centre about the importance of knowing how to be safe not only at the beach but around pools and also at home.

"We're just trying to place the emphasis on the importance on having the lifesavers here not only during the holiday season but throughout the year itself,” Jessica said.

The children have embraced their newfound knowledge and a chance to have fun outside.

"They've absolutely loved it. They've learnt a few songs that we've taught them in correspondence with the ‘Kids Alive Do the Five’ program and they were so excited to come down to the beach.”

This is the first summer period in several years where lifeguards have been posted to Diamond Beach.

The Kiddies Hut staff believe it is necessary for the children to observe the work of the lifeguards firsthand as the beach is an integral part of the Diamond Beach community.

"They've learnt about the importance of staying between the red and the gold flags as well as what a few of the other flags represent at the same time so to actually come down and see it in their local community is really important,” Jessica said.

Lifeguard Emily Nash took the time to answer some questions from the group such as the importance of swimming between the flags, the significance of wearing red and yellow on the lifeguard uniform, how a lifeguard performs a rescue and the steps it takes to become a lifeguard.

While on the beach, the children witnessed a helicopter patrolling  for sharks.

See our website and Facebook page for a video of the children’s experience of learning about water safety and spotting a helicopter.