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Hundreds of Northern Territory families are expected to take part in Water Safety Week this week, an initiative to raise awareness about keeping ourselves and others safe in, around and on the water.

Running from the 20th to 26th September, the signature event of the week will be the free Splashfest celebration this Sunday 20th September) at the Darwin Waterfront.

Royal Life Saving NT Executive Director Floss Roberts says Water Safety Week a timely reminder for everyone to “think water safety” with the Northern Territory having one of the highest drowning rates per capita in Australia.

With just released 2014/15 National Drowning Report showing the Territory’s high rate of drowning, Roberts highlights the importance of water safety for families, community and Government and the need for everyone to work together to prevent drownings.

Roberts says “water safety is 24/7 and taking time out to think water safety is important as we head into the wet Season.”

Royal Life Saving NT pay particular attention to Primary School Children, with 12,669 children having participated in swimming and water safety lessons this year.

However, with only 855 achieving the national benchmark of a level 4 in Swim & Survive, Royal Life Saving NT has called on the Northern Territory Government to fund Swim & Survive programs for school years 4, 5 and 6 with a petition tabled with the Clerk of Northern Territory Assembly on Tuesday (15th September).

Water Safety Week is bring Northern Territory politicians together for water safety with many having been presented with yellow duck desk ornament as a reminder of the importance of water safety.

Recognising the significance of Water Safety Week, Northern Territory Sport and Recreation Minister Gary Higgins stated “being able to swim is a very important life skill and in conjunction with supervision, pool fencing, and resuscitation, saves lives.”

Welcoming this, Roberts adds “I am delighted that Northern Territory politicians can come together for water safety with a yellow duck on their desk as a reminder that water safety is important for all Territorians.

“We are very proud that most of the MLAs are Royal Life Saving Keep Watch Ambassadors, who actively promote water safety messages to families and the community in their electorate. “

The Northern Territory Government is also backing Water Safety Week through its ongoing Sports Voucher Scheme.

Explaining this Minister Higgins stated “sSwimming is the most popular activity for students redeeming vouchers through the Sport Voucher Scheme, with 4,840 vouchers worth $484,000 used in the last financial year to fund lessons or activities with registered providers across the Northern Territory.

“Parents of infants and toddlers are also taking advantage of the Government’s Learn to Swim program for children aged five years and under who are not yet enrolled in school or pre-school and have completed the free Water Safety Awareness Program, with more than 1500 vouchers redeemed last financial year.

“It’s fantastic to see so many Territory families learning to swim and ensuring they enjoy the water safely.”

Through the Sport Voucher Scheme, every school aged child in the Northern Territory receives $100 vouchers twice annually to be used for sport, recreation and cultural activities with registered providers.

Children attending remote schools do not receive a printed voucher, and instead the school, in consultation with the local school council, determines the sport, recreation and cultural activities to be provided through an eligible activity provider.

Last financial year $114,562 was provided for remote swimming programs through the Sport Voucher Scheme.

The Splashfest celebrations this Sunday will include free entertainment with bouncing castles, waterslides, face painting, craft workshops and much more. There will also be information available on water safety and demonstrations by lifeguards.

For more information about the Sport Voucher Scheme and Learn to Swim, go to www.sportandrecreation.nt.gov.au

Image: Darwin Waterfront.

16th September 2015 - DROWNINGS HIGHLIGHT NEED TO TAKE MORE CARE AROUND WATER

12th September 2015 - CHILDREN FROM TIWI ISLANDS PARTICIPATE IN ROYAL LIFE SAVING SWIM AND SURVIVE PROGRAM

17th August 2015 - SWIM AND SURVIVE PROGRAM TO AID THOSE THAT MISS OUT ON WATER SAFETY SKILLS

23rd July 2014 - SPORTS VOUCHER BOOST FOR NORTHERN TERRITORY STUDENTS

24th January 2014 - NORTHERN TERRITORY CHILDREN MISSING OUT ON WATER SAFETY EDUCATION

13th July 2009 - DARWIN WAVE LAGOON DRAWS CROWDS

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