Aquatic Industry event highlights achievements of drowning prevention campaigns

An Aquatic Industry event held this week in collaboration with Life Saving Victoria at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre highlighted and marked the significant advances made in drowning prevention through the Watch Around Water and SwimSafe campaigns.

The event gathered members from across the aquatic industry, Darebin Council, and community stakeholders to underscore the collective efforts in advancing water safety.

Marking nearly 15 years since its inception in Victoria, Watch Around Water has reached an impressive milestone, with 250 registered facilities across the state now part of this crucial initiative. This achievement signifies that over 93% of all public pools in Victoria are committed to the campaign's essential message of active supervision for children near water.

Meanwhile, the SwimSafe program, developed following coronial recommendations and now in its fifth year, has been embraced by 150 facilities. This program aims to educate vulnerable adult swimmers, including the elderly, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, about the dangers present in aquatic environments.

Dr Bernadette Matthews, LSV Principal Researcher and General Manager - Health Promotion & Communications , emphasised the importance of an evidence-based approach to tackling water safety challenges.

 "It's so pleasing to see how both of these campaigns have developed over time. The evidence-based initiatives designed to enhance the safety of patrons at public pools across the state have shown remarkable progress.

“Our commitment to drowning prevention, through continuous education and awareness, remains unwavering as we strive to ensure every visitor to a public aquatic facility enjoys the water safely."

The event celebrating these milestones, at Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre not only highlighted the achievements of reaching 250 facilities with Watch Around Water and 150 facilities with SwimSafe but also served as a reaffirmation by those present of the ongoing commitment towards enhancing water safety.

The Victorian aquatic industry stands united in its adoption of Watch Around Water and SwimSafe, showcasing a model of cohesion and commitment to water safety.

As the campaigns move forward, the lessons learned and successes achieved will continue to inform efforts in drowning prevention, ensuring the safety of all Victorians in aquatic settings.

More information on Watch Around Water

More information on SwimSafe