New water safety initiative for Australian kids
24th December, 2014
Families living in Wide Bay will benefit from a new initiative aimed at increasing water safety in young children, says Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss.“This initiative is focused on increasing water safety awareness in children under the age of five, through the use of songs, videos and books, which are designed to convey the importance of the water safety message in a fun and engaging way,” Mr Truss said.
Child care centres, kindergartens, play groups and water safety organisations across Wide Bay will be sent education water safety packs, as part the Federal Government’s plan to distribute 80,000 educational packs nationwide.
“The materials in the pack have been developed in conjunction with the well-known water safety campaigner and former Olympic swimming coach Laurie Lawrence, who has previously done valuable work educating children on water safety, through his ‘Living with Water’ DVD,” Mr Truss said.
“It is heartbreaking to read the 2014 National Drowning Report and realize that drowning was responsible for the deaths of 20 children under the age of five, between July 2013 and June 2014.
“I would also encourage people in the community to remain vigilant, especially if you spot children playing near water. Being aware of potential drowning hazards is especially important in these hot summer months, when children may try to access to pools, dams, creeks or livestock troughs to play in.
"Unfortunately, it may only take a few minutes of a young child being left unattended near water for a tragedy to occur."
The Federal Government has also announced $4 million in funding for investment in the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s work to prevent drowning in inland waterways. A further $15 million has also been provided to fund programmes aimed at reducing the number of drowning deaths nationwide.
“The Federal Government is committed to working with parents and communities to improve water safety awareness and allow children to play in and around water in a safe and enjoyable way,” Mr Truss said.
The educational water safety DVDs are also available online at www.kidsalive.com.au
