Child Drowning Support Fund
For every child who dies from drowning in WA, up to 10 are hospitalised following a non-fatal drowning incident, with four of these experiencing serious lifelong health implications.
Royal Life Saving WA is committed to reducing the impact of drowning in the community by providing financial assistance to the families of children who have experienced a non-fatal drowning through our Child Drowning Support Fund.
What is the aim of the Fund?
The Child Drowning Support Fund aims to support families in WA with a child who has experienced a non-fatal drowning incident. This is achieved by providing financial assistance towards resources or services which will make a meaningful difference in the life of the family and child.
Am I eligible to apply?
Grants are available through the Fund for the parents or legal guardians of a child under 18 years of age who has experienced a non-fatal drowning incident, particularly where the child has sustained long term permanent injuries or disability as a result.
The drowning may have occurred at any time, as long as the child is under the age of 18 at the time of application.
Applicants must reside in Western Australia at the time of application.
Previous grant recipients may reapply for additional funding as needed; however, funding will not be provided for expenses previously covered by the Child Drowning Support Fund. Priority will be given to families who have not previously received a grant.
What can the Fund support?
Parents or legal guardians can apply for funding for any service, resource or item that will have a positive impact on child's care and welfare, or the family's life. This may include assistance with:
- Parking, fuel or grocery vouchers while the child is in hospital
- Therapy sessions (e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)
- Specialised equipment and/or technology
- Housing or vehicle modifications
- Repairs and/or maintenance to existing equipment or technology
- Counselling for family members
- Respite care
This list is not exhaustive, so if your child’s needs differ from those outlined above, please contact us to discuss eligibility.
Where possible, we prefer to pay the supplier of the resource, service or item directly. If this is not possible, tax receipts and other evidence of expenditure will be required.
Potential recipients must not have received funding in full for the requested service or resource from another organisation or entity.
We will consider co-funding an item of equipment, modifications or technology with another organisation or entity at the request of the applicant; however, co-funding is not guaranteed and will be at the discretion of Royal Life Saving WA and the other proposed organisation.
We will consider applications for retrospective funding for equipment, modifications or technology purchased/installed within the current financial year.
All funds are allocated at the absolute discretion of Royal Life Saving WA.
How do I apply for assistance?
Families can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 and multiple items can be included in one application up to this value.
Applications can be submitted at any time. Please advise us in your application if funding is urgently required, as we may be able to expedite the approval process.
An application may be submitted by a health or community professional with the consent of the family. Please specify this in the form.
All applications received will be considered. If we have any queries or require further information, we will contact you to discuss this before your application is assessed. You will be notified of the outcome of your application no more than four weeks after submission.
You can download the application form below.
If you would like to discuss your eligibility or would like more information about the Fund, please contact us on (08) 9383 8200 or grants@royallifesavingwa.com.au
Support Services
Royal Life Saving WA recognises the trauma associated with fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents and offers a range of support services to assist families.
Peer Support
Royal Life Saving has established a peer support network to connect parents and families dealing with the loss of a child to drowning or living with the consequences of a non-fatal drowning.
We have a network of ambassadors available who have experienced similar tragic incidents and are able to provide support and advice. We can arrange an introduction for those who need assistance, with one of our ambassadors.
Professional Grief Support Counselling Services
Royal Life Saving has established a Professional Counselling Service to help parents and families dealing with the loss of a child to drowning. We have partnered with Red Nose WA who have qualified grief counsellors on staff to provide professional assistance offered free of charge.
Contact Us
For further information please contact us.
Make a Donation towards our Support Services
Your vital support allows us to deliver these services to families impacted by a child drowning throughout the WA community.
