Australian Government moves to cut drowning deaths

The Australian Government is to provide $4 million across five years to the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia , as part of a $15 million package to cut drowning deaths across the nation.

With a staggering 266 people dying in Australian waterways last year, the Federal Government has stepped up its efforts to reduce the number of drowning deaths in Australian waterways. 

Federal Minister for Health and Minister for Sport Peter Dutton announced the funding while launching the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2014 at Parliament House yesterday (30th September). 

The $4 million to the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia is aimed at preventing drowning in inland waterways. 

Explaining the funding, Minister Dutton stated “through this latest funding the Royal Life Saving Society Australia can continue to develop and build the programmes that will help to save lives.”

The 2014 Drowning Report highlights the factors that have contributed to drowning deaths across Australia from 1st July 2013 to 30th June 2014.

As documented in the Report, Minister Dutton highlighted that inland waterways including rivers, lakes and dams are the leading location for drowning deaths, stating “it is important to understand not all drowning deaths happen at a beach or in a pool.

“39% of all drowning deaths occurred in inland waterways – rivers, lakes and dams.

“The programs administered through the Royal Life Saving Society Australia focus on these waterways and known black spots throughout Australia and will help to prevent drowning deaths.”

This funding is part of the Australian Government’s coordinated approach to water safety and working with leading bodies Surf Life Saving Australia, AUSTSWIM, Laurie Lawrence and the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia. 

30th September 2014 - ROYAL LIFE SAVING REPORTS 'MODERATE BUT PROMISING' REDUCTION IN DROWNINGS

7th September 2014 - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BACKS LAURIE LAWRENCE’S ANTI-DROWNING INITIATIVE

12th June 2014 - RLSSWA SWIM & SURVIVE ACCESS AND EQUITY PROGRAM

18th September 2013 - SURF LIFESAVERS CALL FOR MORE FUNDS FOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS TO REDUCE DROWNINGS

27th July 2013 - YMCA VICTORIA ANNOUNCES TRAINING PARTNERSHIP WITH LIFE SAVING VICTORIA