Victorians are Urged to Play It Safe This Summer
Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services, Peter Ryan encouraged all Victorians to help spread the water safety message this summer at the launch of Water Safety Week in Melbourne.
"While the Victorian drowning death toll is currently the lowest on record with 34 deaths in 2010-11, the reality is that one death in the water is one too many," Mr Ryan said.
"Summer is almost here and the message is clear: Victorians need to play it safe by the water, whether it is around the local pool, down the coast, at a lake or a river.”
"Never swim alone, look before you leap and never take your eyes off children in or around the water – the tragedy is 20 seconds is all it takes for a child to drown," he said.
Water Safety Week, which runs until Sunday 4 December 2011, encourages Victorians of all ages to participate in a range of water safety activities in a variety of environments.
More than 180 aquatic facilities have registered to participate in Water Safety Week this year, offering activities focusing on water safety and survival skills.
The newly-released 2010-11 Victorian Drowning Report identified some encouraging outcomes in water safety, with the rate of toddler drowning deaths down dramatically, from seven in 2009-10 to one in 2010-11.
The Victorian Government has allocated $3 million this financial year to continue delivering water safety programs, including the Play It Safe by the Water campaign, community and school education programs, and lifesaving services.
Last season, lifesavers across Victoria performed more than 690 rescues and assisted in more than 1800 first aid incidents.
For further information on Water Safety Week, events and programs, visit the Aquatics and Recreation Victoria website.