Push for swim teaching for all NSW Students

The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of NSW (SPASA) has called for all NSW school students to receive swimming lessons and for CPR training for parents to be subsidised.

SPASA called for the reforms following findings from the NSW Deputy Coroner recommending the introduction of criminal charges for negligent backyard pool deaths.

NSW Deputy Coroner Paul MacMahon has today suggested that pool deaths from negligence should be considered in the same way as the offence of negligent driving causing death.

Speaking in relation to the deaths of eight children in backyard swimming pools, Coroner MacMahon stated "the existence of such a criminal charge would ... emphasise the importance to the community of taking matters, such as the maintenance of pool fencing and gates, seriously and the public condemnation of the failure to do so when a life is lost as a result."

SPASA Chief Executive Spiros Dassakis said the Association has made a substantial submission to NSW Premier Kristina Keneally to subsidise CPR training for all parents and for the introduction of mandatory swimming lessons for children as part of the school syllabus.

Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) statistics show that 64 children under the age of four drowned in backyard pools between 2005 and 2009.

For more information go to www.spasa.org.au

Image courtesy of Cityfit Bathurst Swim School.

30th December 2009 - ALARMING RISE IN HOLIDAY DROWNINGS

15th September 2009 - HORROR YEAR FOR AUSTRALIAN DROWNINGS

 28th August 2009 - ROYAL LIFE URGES BACKYARD POOL SAFETY 

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