New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant

Keeping Older Swimmers Safer Across The State’s Public Pools

Victor P Taffa

Older Aussies will be safer when visiting the state’s public pools thanks to a recent splash of Government funding to educate swimmers, Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said.

New South Wales Government has provided $95,000 to the Royal Life Saving Society to help develop resources and programs that raise awareness about the health benefits of swimming while educating the community about the impact of prescribed medications and medical conditions.

“Of the 249 people who tragically drowned across Australia over the last 12 months, 48 were known to have a pre-existing medical condition.” Minister Grant said

“This represents approximately 20 % of all drowning deaths, and of these 83 % were male and more than 48 % were aged 65 and over.”

“We want to ensure that older Australians can lead happy and healthy lives but there also needs to be safety measures in place to address the risks that older people face when swimming.”

Overall program aims to refresh aquatic skills by enrolling people in adult learn to swim classes and lifesaving courses.

It also involves communication materials for older swim centre visitors and online resources to assist with employee education so instructors and lifeguards are best prepared.

New South Wales Royal Life Saving Society CEO Michael Ilinsky said education and swimming lessons are absolutely crucial to help reduce overall fatalities in swimming pools.

“We welcome the Government’s investment in this area to help prevent more drownings so people can enjoy their local swimming pool safely.” Mr. Ilinsky said.

“Increasing education about the impacts of pre-existing conditions and prescribed medicines on swimmers is a really important part of minimising risk.”

“This funding will ensure people are properly informed, and aquatic centres are supported with the right resources and programs in place to welcome more swimmers.”

Program will support more than 300 public aquatic facilities across New South Wales, and will be rolled out over the coming months.