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The new Federal Government is to invest $15 million over five years to support Australia's peak water safety bodies, lifesavers and swimming teachers to prevent drowning deaths.

Delivering on a Federal election campaign committment made by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Federal Minister for Sport Peter Dutton made the funding annoucement at yesterday's launch of the latest Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report for 2013.

The funding will include:

• $8 million to support the work of surf lifesaving clubs and their members across Australia,

• $4 million to Royal Life Saving Society Australia to develop a River Drowning Black Spot identification program and expand the successful Swim and Survive lessons to disadvantaged, disabled and Indigenous children,

• $2 million to Surf Life Saving Australias Beach Drowning Black Spot reduction programme to prevent drowning in high risk areas where the population is projected to increase, and

• $1 million to AUSTSWIM to give more disadvantaged people access to accredited swimming and water safety teachers.

Commenting on the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2013 and the funding, Minister Dutton stated "Australia is a nation of people who love the water, and many of our international visitors are drawn here because of our beautiful waterways. However, water can be very deadly, particularly to inexperienced swimmers and children.

"Our investment will support the work of our brave lifesavers to upgrade their equipment and help them to continue saving thousands of lives every year.

"The funding will also support AUSTSWIM instructors and water safety staff to teach disadvantaged Australians how to swim and be safe in the water."

Click here to read The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2013.

12th August 2013 - OPPOSITION LEADER UPS FUNDING COMMITMENT TO PEAK WATER SAFETY AGENCIES

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