The latest National Drowning Report compiled by the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia highlights the urgent need for the Federal Government to immediately implement the Australian Water Safety Council’s National Water Safety Plan.
The Coalition, now in their third term, have failed to implement the Water Safety Council’s Plan, which is aimed at fostering cooperation and commitment in the fight against drowning.
In January 1999 – almost 2 years ago – former Sport Minister Jackie Kelly claimed that a national strategy to combat drowning was a priority. The Minister, however, failed to implement a national strategy or adopt the Water Safety Council’s Plan.
According the latest National Drowning Report, 269 people drowned in ‘preventable water related activities’ during the financial year 2000-01. While welcoming the overall decrease in the number of people who drowned in inland waterways (down 25%), the Report reveals that beach drownings increases by 42% from the 1995-99 average.
While toddler drownings decreased by 40% on the 5-year average, a tragic and unacceptably high number of children under 5 (35) drowned and backyard swimming pools and bathtubs remain the main threat to children under five.
The Minister for Sport should immediately implement the Water Safety Plan to help further reduce the number of water-related deaths in Australia.
Media Contact: Simon Tatz on 02 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
