BHP partnership pays off

As we reflect on the year that is coming to a close Royal Life Saving is proud of the recognition we've received for a number of our important drowning prevention programs throughout 2017. With the assistance of our Principal Community Partner BHP, Royal Life Saving WA is making a real impact in preventing drowning across our state.

This year, Royal Life Saving WA has received recognition for three BHP sponsored programs: Swim and Survive Access and Equity at The Institute of Public Administration Australia Awards, and Keep Watch Toddler Drowning Prevention, and Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pools at the Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Awards.

At the IPAA Awards, Royal Life Saving WA was awarded for innovation in the not-for-profit sector, focusing on the work we’re involved with in WA’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) community.

CaLD communities are over-represented in drowning statistics, with many new arrivals to Western Australia having poor or non-existent swimming and water-safety skills. Last year, 24.3% of drowning deaths were born overseas. Of these, two-thirds were from non-English speaking backgrounds.

At the IPSP Awards, Royal Life Saving WA was awarded for outstanding achievement in injury prevention or safety promotion, for the Keep Watch Toddler Drowning Prevention program. This program educates parents about adequate supervision around water, complying with pool fencing legislation, and maintaining fences to required standards, familiarising children with water and developing parents’ skills in resuscitation and first aid. Since its introduction in 1996, there has been an 85% reduction in fatal toddler drownings in WA.

The Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pools program sees Royal Life Saving WA managing swimming pools in six remote communities in WA. The pools provide swimming and water-safety education, to reduce drowning and aquatic injury in Aboriginal communities, while also promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyle and social cohesion. Research into the pools, conducted in 2015, found local communities reacted positively to the pool, saying they are culturally appropriate, encourage community participation, have positive effects on health, swimming ability, social and emotional well-being and promote good behaviour among youth.

Royal Life Saving WA’s outstanding achievements in these important programs are made possible by our continuing partnership with BHP. Together, we’ll continue to reduce drownings in WA.

You can read more about these award-winning programs at the links below.

Swim and Survive Access and Equity

Keep Watch

Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pools