Million Dollar Sponsorship for Royal Life Saving WA

Following an extensive 10 year partnership, Royal Life Saving Society Western Australia (RLSSWA) and BHP Billiton have signed a one million dollar sponsorship deal, making BHP Billiton the organisation's principal Community Partner.

Since the year 2000, the RLSSWA/BHP Billiton partnership has grown from a $30,000 grant funding the Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pools Project, to financially supporting the majority of RLSSWA programs. BHP Billiton now funds both the RLSSWA's Keep Watch and Donât Drink and Drown programs, as well as Swim and Survive, Watch Around Water, and RLSSWA aquatic training initiatives.

These programs encourage aquatic participation across a diverse demographic, with a particular focus on Indigenous Australians, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, and youth.

A RLSSWA statement explained "BHP Billiton is clearly committed to assisting us with promoting participation in aquatic pursuits, and ultimately preventing drowning deaths within the WA community."

RLSSWA has also received $1 million from the Federal Government's Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program to establish regional training offices in public pools in Western Australia. 

11th November 2009 - DROWNING SPARKS CALL FOR NATIONAL WATER SAFETY PROGRAM

15th September 2009 - HORROR YEAR FOR AUSTRALIAN DROWNINGS 

17th April 2009 - HORROR WEEK LEADS TO WATER SAFETY PLEA