Keeping Durack kids safe in the water

Families living in Durack will benefit from a new initiative aimed at increasing water safety for young children.

The Member for Durack, Melissa Price, said the initiative was aimed at children under five and teaching them about water safety.

Ms Price said the new programme consists of songs, videos and books which communicate the water safety message in a fun and engaging format for youngsters.

“Child care centres, kindergartens, play groups and water safety groups in the Kimberly, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid-west and Wheatbelt are receiving the educational packs,” Ms Price said.

“More than 80,000 are being distributed nationally and they are available online at www.kidsalive.com.au.

“The programme has been developed by water safety campaigner and former Olympic swimming coach Laurie Lawrence and builds on his highly successful Living with Water DVD.

“It teaches our children how to be safe at the beach, around pools, rivers and dams which is crucial to keep our kids safe this summer,” Ms Price said.

“As families and communities we need to work together to reduce the tragedy of drowning. We need to make sure that we are water safe.

The 2014 National Drowning Report showed that 20 children aged under five had drowned between July 2013 and June 2014; the new programme is one component of the Australian Government’s comprehensive approach to water safety. The Government recently announced a $4 million investment to assist the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s work to prevent drowning in inland waterways. Other programmes are delivered by AUSTSWIM and Surf Life Saving under a $15 million commitment from the Government to reduce drownings nationwide. Australia Post is supporting the new children’s programme meaning more children and families will benefit from receiving the educational material.