More children to complete Bronze Medallion

Royal Life Saving Society WA has signed a new agreement with the Education Department, making it easier and cheaper for school-aged children to learn high level swimming and lifesaving skills.

The agreement, announced today at the Aqualife Aquatic Centre in East Victoria Park, will collectively save WA families more than $50,000, enabling students to complete higher level awards like the Bronze Medallion without having to pay for stickers and badges.

Education Minister Peter Collier says "Swimming and water safety skills are essential in a state like Western Australia and I would like to see an additional 500 children gain their Bronze Medallion this summer. Not only will they be safe in the water but they will also have the lifesaving skills to help anyone who gets into trouble."

Royal Life Saving Society WA CEO Peter Leaversuch is pleased the Society's been able to increase support of the Department of Education's VacSwim and Interm Swimming and Water Safety Programs. Recent research indicates that many children will enter their teenage years with poor survival and water safety skills."We hope these changes will keep children in swimming lessons, and also increase the number of children from disadvantaged and culturally diverse backgrounds taking part, as they may currently be missing out" he says. 

"Royal Life Saving is committed to addressing this concerning trend. The skills children learn in the Swim and Survive awards are the most important investment the community can make to reduce drowning" Mr Leaversuch says.

Enrolment processes have also been simplified and upgraded equipment and program materials are available.