Families in Banks will benefit from a new initiative aimed at increasing water safety for young children, said David Coleman, Federal Member for Banks.
Every childcare centre in the area will receive a resource pack developed by water safety campaigner and former Olympic swimming coach Laurie Lawrence that will teach children under five about water safety.
Mr Coleman said the resource pack includes songs, videos and books which communicate the water safety message in a fun and engaging format for youngsters.
“We are lucky to have great places to swim in Banks, including Hurstville Aquatic Centre and the Georges River,” Mr Coleman said.
“But this means that it’s incredibly important that our children know how to be safe around water.
“The 2014 National Drowning Report showed that 20 children aged under five had drowned between July 2013 and June 2014.
“As families and communities we need to work together to reduce the tragedy of drowning. We need to make sure we are water safe”.
The programme for children under five is one component of the Australian Government’s comprehensive approach to water safety.
The Government recently announced a $4 million investment to assist the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s work to prevent drowning in inland waterways.
Other programmes are delivered by AUSTSWIM and Surf Life Saving under a $15 million commitment from the Government to reduce drownings nationwide.
“I hope that by educating children about water safety they will be able to enjoy themselves in and around water without harm,” Mr Coleman said.