The annual AUSTSWIM (peak body of teachers of swimming & water safety) conference was held in Adelaide 12^th July 2008, with over 200 delegates attending from across Australia. The key note speaker was Laurie Lawrence and in his address he congratulated the Northern Territory for implementing and continuing a program that has reduced drowning of children under 5 years of age.

 

Drowning is the largest cause of accidental death of children under 5 years of age in Australia. In 2002 the Northern Territory had the highest drowning rate in Australia, of children, in the under 5 age bracket. Royal Life Saving Northern Territory Branch in partnership with the Northern Territory Government implemented the Water Safety Awareness Program as a strategy targeted at families and lifestyle.

 

Royal Life Saving NT Executive Director Floss Roberts and Program Manager, Rebecca Gawne, presented the program to a packed audience on pool deck. The presentation highlighted the aims, outcomes, delivery and water safety messages that families receive with their 5 free lessons. "The program has made a difference for families in the Northern Territory" said Roberts. Over 5000 families have registered  since 2003, "Feedback, from parents  and guardians, has been that the program was rewarding, informative and makes them more aware of water safety", added Roberts.

 

The Northern Territory government committed ongoing funding as a proactive strategy for drowning prevention in our tropical, aquatic lifestyle. "The vision, support and commitment from the Northern Territory government ensures Territory families are safer in, on and around the water" said Roberts.  "The voucher program provides a fantastic opportunity for families to access free water safety lessons for their child.  The program is provided at no cost and if families."

 

The program provides parents of children under five with five free water safety lessons, including an emergency care session. The information and skills relating to emergency procedures, water awareness and safety and swimming foundation skills, can be used and practiced throughout their child's development. The Water Safety Awareness Program is available to children aged six months to five years and who are permanent residents of the Northern Territory.

 

Royal Life Saving's 2007 National Drowning report illustrated that 35 young children 0-4 years drowned last year; 16 were in pools, 6 drowned in bathtubs, 9 in rivers, lakes and dams and 4 tragically lost their lives in unknown locations.

 

"The Northern Territory Government is to be congratulated for their support which has allowed so many families access to these life saving skills," said Roberts.  "The success of the NT voucher program has led other States and Territories to want a similar approach."

 

Information for the Drowning Report is primarily collected from the National Coroners Information System (NCIS) and media reports.

Further Information, or to arrange an interview please contact:

Floss Roberts, Executive Director RLSSA NT

Ph: (08) 8981 5036 Mobile: 0408 857 880