Royal Life Saving Society - Northern Territory Executive Director Floss Roberts is urging people in the Darwin area to be part of a big fundraising initiative to help raise money for Royal Life Saving, which will help to try and reduce child drowning across the nation and fund local charity projects.

Casuarina Swimming Pool are working together with Royal Life Saving Society - Northern Territory to host an UNCLE TOBYS® Big Splash Swimathon, raising funds to give more Australian children access to the skills and knowledge that will help them 'Swim and Survive'.

The swimathon event is being held on Wednesday 21 April from 6pm to 8pm at Casuarina Swimming Pool, Angelo Street in conjunction with their weekly 'Lifesaving for a Sport night'.  Royal Life Saving is urging members of the public to be part of this great event which will be fantastic fun as well as raising money for a critical cause.

Each Big Splash participant is encouraged to gain sponsorship from family and friends for each specific swim:

- 50m swim to a 50m tow (with fins)
- 200m survival swim (using the three survival strokes)
- 20m swim for younger children

The top three swimmers who raise the most money with receive a prize.

Latest figures show drowning is one of the largest causes of accidental deaths in children in Australia. Royal Life Saving says between July 1 2008 and June 30 2009, 302 people drowned in Australian waterways 50 were children aged 0-17.

Floss Roberts added "We hope people of all ages get involved with this campaign. It's all about saving children's lives. A big part of our target is children that live in at risk communities which include rural and remote communities, indigenous communities and other areas. We'll be providing scholarships to people so they can become swimming and safety instructors. We'll be initiating research on the causes of drowning in Australian children aged 3-10."

Floss Roberts said "We have to eliminate drowning deaths in Australian kids. We've got to do more and we're working in partnership to reduce drownings. Educating kids today is just vital. Each of these events is a great family activity and a way of making a real difference."

UNCLE TOBYS® are donating $500,000 to the Royal Life Saving as part of the Swim Survive Stay Alive initiative and the fundraising events have been held in pools across the nation since October 2009.
 
Anyone wanting more information about this local event can contact Floss Roberts, Royal Life Saving Society - Northern Territory - 08 89 815 036 or 0408 857 880.