Aussies help prevent drowning in the Philippines

Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) recently answered a call for help from its sister organisation, the Philippine Lifesaving Society, who are working to provide a drowning-free future for the Philippines.

Each year, 350,000 children are estimated to drown across Asia with at least 6,000 children known to drown each year in the Philippines. Drowning ranks as the main cause of death among under-18s in the Philippines.

RLSSA's National President, Shayne Baker, and Glyn Reinbott travelled to Boracay Island to facilitate the re-qualification of some of the Philippine Lifesaving Society's volunteers, as well as working to support the assessment of new recruits to the organisation and assisting with the first lifesaving sporting event in the Philippines. They also conducted a seminar about the importance of water safety for local community members, including representatives from local government, the coast guard, resort owners and lifesavers.

Baker explained "in Australia, we're lucky that lifesaving has been a part of our culture for more than 115 years, but our nearby neighbours in the region haven't been so fortunate.

"Given that wealth of experience and knowledge it makes sense that we lend a hand to organisations like the Philippine Lifesaving Society who are working to save lives.

"It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and to know that our contribution really is making a difference."

In total 52 participants received the award of Bronze Medallion, 70 people participated in the seminar and 85 people competed in the first lifesaving event in the Philippines.

Drowning: The Biggest Killer of Asian Children was a feature in the March/April 2008 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

2nd April 2008 - DROWNING BIGGEST KILLER OF ASIAN CHILDREN