New website launched to connect community groups working on water safety efforts

A new interactive website designed by the Australian Water Safety Council has been launched to link and highlight the efforts of community water safety efforts across the country.

The Australian Water Safety Council website connects community groups working to prevent drowning though a variety of water safety initiatives.

Convenor of the Australian Water Safety Council and Chief Executive of Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, Justin Scarr said the website recognises that targeted, local community action is an important part of efforts to prevent drowning.

Scarr notes “The Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 promotes local approaches to water safety and drowning prevention. This means policies, programs, services and campaigns tailored to local conditions and in partnership with community groups, councils and local businesses.

“All drowning is local. We recognise that the biggest impacts are born by families, rescuers and those living where the incident happens.

“So, we are encouraging local groups to commit to the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030, to feature what they are doing to make a difference or to promote water safety. The website is a chance to highlight and encourage meaningful partnerships at all levels.”

One example of a community-driven learn-to-swim program is the Bambigi Indigenous swimming program, founded by Gulidjan school girl Piper Stewart. At just 12 years old, she recognised many of her Indigenous peers hadn’t learned to swim because of financial barriers. More than 300 children from the region around Griffith in NSW have now benefited from the program.

The new website will encourage organisations to share knowledge and expertise through the promotion of organisation actions, including project overviews, goals, key steps and impacts to date.

Any organisation providing water safety lessons is invited to upload information about their work to the website free of charge. Organisations and individuals are guided through a few simple questions to upload their activities. Photographs can be included.

About the Australian Water Safety Council
The Australian Water Safety Council is deeply committed to drowning prevention in Australia and is a collective voice for Australia’s leading water safety organisations. The Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 plays an essential role in National, State and Territory, and community approaches to preventing drowning and promoting safe use of the nation’s waterways and swimming pools.

Image: The new interactive website designed by the Australian Water Safety Council