AusLeisure

A new initiative aimed at stopping the growing number of drowning deaths in Australia was launched on Monday (25th November).

Drowning deaths in children under the age of five increased 48% last year, while the number of overall fatalities rose 5% to 291.

To combat this rising trend, EnergyAustralia and Swim Australia have teamed up to launch

EnergyAustralia SwimSAFER Week (running from 25th November to 1st December), to educate Australians about what they can do to prevent drowning.

Swim Australia Chief Executive Ross Gage, says the initiative focuses on swimming lessons and what to do in an emergency.

Gage explains "swimming lessons are only one way to help kids stay safer in and around the water. The EnergyAustralia SwimSAFER program also recommends constant adult supervision, complying pool fences and gates, as well as having an Emergency Action Plan in place.

"Families should always have a first aid kit on hand, know emergency numbers, understand how to administer CPR, and if a child is missing, always check water hazards first because seconds count!"

More than 300 swim schools across Australia will participate in EnergyAustralia SwimSAFER Week, with children and their families learning water skills and the elements of an Emergency Action Plan including CPR.

EnergyAustralia Executive Manager of Retail Adrian Merrick, says all Australians should take water safety seriously, statting "we want to make sure Australians are armed with the knowledge they need to be safer around water this summer.

"We encourage all Australians to test their water safety knowledge at waterhero.com.au during SwimSAFER week to ensure they know what to do to keep their families safer around water."

EnergyAustralia SwimSAFER week is an extension of the EnergyAustralia SwimSAFER program which provides swim schools across Australia with resources to teach water safety and emergency planning.

The campaign is also introducing a new type of superheroes, 'WaterHERO' who emphasises the following safety messages to stay safe in and around water.

Be Aware: Don't let the kids out of your sight.

Be Secure: Keep fences and gates locked up tight.

Be Confident: Learn to Swim, and how to get to safety.

Be Prepared: Always have a plan in case of emergency.

Australians can get involved by enrolling their child in an EnergyAustralia SwimSAFER Week participating swim school and can test their water safety knowledge at www.waterhero.com.au 

2nd April 2012 - SWIMSAFERCPR MATE LAUNCH 

12th July 2011 - SPORTS INJURIES KEEPING HOSPITAL BEDS WARM 

31st May 2011 - RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS INADEQUATE SUPERVISION IN AUSTRALIAN CHILD DROWNINGS

27th May 2011 - SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND VICTORIA BACK WA’S WATCH AROUND WATER CAMPAIGN

23rd May 2011 - NT DROWNING HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR WATCH AROUND WATER 

26th November 2010 - YMCA URGES PARENTS TO KEEP CHILDREN’S WATER SAFETY SKILLS A PRIORITY

17th November 2010 - ONE IN FIVE AUSSIE KIDS CAN’T SWIM

1st September 2010 - INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR ASCTA CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

23rd February 2010 - RUGBY LEAGUE JUNIORS TO BE GRADED BY SIZE 

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.