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Marking the United Nations declared World Drowning Prevention Day today, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia has emphasised the need to raise awareness of drowning prevention, pointing to the importance of swimming lessons or fencing a pool.

With drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide, for children and young people aged under 24 years, with an estimated 236,000 fatalities each year, Royal Life Saving Chief Executive, Justin Scarr explains that World Drowning Prevention Day symbolises the collective commitment to prevent drowning deaths and is an opportunity for every individual to contribute to saving lives.

Scarr advises “drowning can happen to anyone at any time, but every step we take towards drowning prevention can save lives.

“On World Drowning Prevention Day, we reflect on thousands of people lost to drowning in recent years, as well as the millions of lives lost across the globe.

“We remind everyone that simple actions can save lives, whether swimming lessons, pool fencing and CPR lessons, they all make a difference to drowning prevention.”

Across Australia, the nation is turning blue as supporters don blue attire, organisations decorate their offices and facilities and major landmarks around the country light up in blue.

Among landmarks turning blue, are:

Northern Territory
• Darwin Convention Centre 
• City of Darwin Council/Library building (Civic Centre) 
• Palmerston Water Tower
• Frances Drive Light Poles, Palmerston

Queensland
Brisbane: 
• Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Reddacliff Place Sculptures, Wickham Terrace Car Park, Breakfast Creek Bridge
• Brisbane City Hall + King George Square, Queensland Government House, Queensland Parliament House, Cleveland Lighthouse.

Ipswich: 
• Ipswich Civic Centre 

Townsville: 
• Townsville Sign, Victoria Bridge, Wharton Reef Lighthouse, George Roberts Bridge, Old Magistrates Court House, Flinders Square, Little Fletcher Bridge, Central Park Boardwalk.

South Australia
• Adelaide Oval
• Adelaide Convention Centre
• Adelaide Entertainment Centre
• Coopers Stadium

Victoria
• Melbourne Town Hall 

Western Australia
• Joondalup Bridge Drive
• Matagarup Bridge
• Mount Street Bridge
• Northbridge Tunnel
• Sky Ribbon
• Great Norther Highway Interchange Bridge
• Fremantle Prison
• Brockman Street Lights, Manjimup
• Mandurah Bridge 

Royal Life Saving encourages everyone to get involved in World Drowning Prevention Day by going blue and sharing resources and stories, while emphasising that the following water safety tips on how to stay safe around water:

• Enrol in swimming lessons
• Supervise children around water
• Check pool fences and gates
• Avoid alcohol and drugs near water
• Wear a lifejacket when boating or fishing
• Know the conditions before entering the water
• Become a pool lifeguard
• Learn CPR
• Become a swim teacher

Click here for further information on Royal Life Saving’s World Drowning Prevention Day website page.

Click here for further information on the World Health Organization’s World Drowning Prevention Day website page.

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