In recognition of her outstanding fundraising efforts, Michelle Pitkin from Swim Logic in Atherton was presented with prizes from the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia.

Michelle and other members of Swim Logic participated in the UNCLE TOBYS® Big Splash Swimathon at Atherton Pool in December 2009 and collectively raised over $3500.  Michelle raised over $917 which makes her the National Award Winner and Queensland State Award Winner for the Highest Value Individual Fundraiser.

Royal Life Saving's Regional Director for North Queensland, Peter Cox presented Michelle with a Sony Playstation 3® Prize Pack, Sony PSP™, Big Splash Prize Pack and Certificate at Smithfield Pool, Cairns on Friday 2 July.

"Funds raised will support the Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive Child Drowning Prevention Strategy which aims to increase swimming and water safety awareness, access, employment pathways and research into the causes of child drowning", Mr Cox said.

"Financially disadvantaged children from the area will be enrolled in Swim and Survive classes as the strategy is rolled out nationally".
 
"Child drowning is still the leading cause of accidental death in children in Australia, with 50 children aged 0-17 drowning in the past year. Teaching children swimming and water safety skills can help protect young lives now and into their future".

UNCLE TOBYS® is proudly working together with the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia to help make a difference and change these statistics. Over the next three years UNCLE TOBYS® will donate over $500,000 to Royal Life Saving Society - Australia to help provide thousands of Australian children with the opportunity to learn to Swim and Survive and raise the importance of water safety with parents.

Eamon Sullivan, Olympic Swimmer and UNCLE TOBYS® Ambassador became the first Celebrity MasterChef in November 2009 donating his $50,000 charity prize money to the Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive Child Drowning Prevention Strategy.

For more information on donating to the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, telephone (02) 8217 3111 or go to www.royallifesaving.com.au/supportus.