A horror year for drowning which claimed 302 Australian lives has prompted urgent calls from the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia for increased parental awareness, a greater emphasis on swimming and water safety education, and extreme caution when swimming in rivers, lakes and dams to halt the rising death toll.

In the 12 months to June 30, 2009, 41 more people drowned than the previous year, raising the total number of drowning deaths by 16% on last year's figures. Almost all age groups recorded an increase in the number of deaths against the five year average.

Royal Life Saving's 2009 National Drowning Report was released today by Hon Kate Ellis, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth and Minister for Sport at Parliament House, Canberra.

"These figures released today represent an incredibly alarming trend that must be reversed," Ms Ellis said. "The Australian Government is working in partnership with Australia's outstanding water safety bodies including Royal Life Saving Society _ Australia to do just that. By working together I believe that we can make a real difference around water safety in this country particularly for our kids."

Rob Bradley, Royal Life Saving Society _ Australia CEO said the statistics were a wakeup call to all Australians about the need for water safety skills at both ends of the life cycle.

"Looking at the statistics for this year, there are two key groups we are very worried about: children aged 0 to 17 years old and Australians aged over 55 years. It's important to remember that each death represents an Australian whose loss is felt by their family and community," Mr Bradley said.

"The message just doesn't seem to be getting through to pool owners that it is vital to check and maintain pool fences all year around to protect children under five years old from drowning in backyard pools.

"This year almost 60% of children under five who drowned lost their lives in a backyard swimming pool. To clarify what pool owners should be checking, as part of the Keep Watch program we have a free home pool safety checklist available at www.homepoolsafety.com.au.

"In older children aged between 5 and 14, more than half of all drowning deaths occurred in rivers and almost three_quarters of those who died were boys. Too many children aren't being given the information and skills to accurately judge the risks posed by natural waterways.

"Once children are aged over 15 we see a big jump in drowning deaths which we believe is attributable to the collision of two factors: the fact that water safety skills haven't been drilled into them earlier and the sharp decline in direct supervision as children become more independent.

"At the other end of the age spectrum, 31% of all drowning deaths were in the 55 and older age category. Swimming and water sports generally aren't like riding a bike. You need to refresh your skills and keep check of how your body is changing so you don't find yourself in trouble because mentally you are still measuring your capacity against what you could do as a 25 year old."

Mr. Bradley also stressed the importance of learning CPR and doing regular refresher courses every year to ensure, in the event you need to use CPR, you have the skills to save a life. He urged anyone who wanted to learn CPR or do a refresher course to contact their State or Territory Royal Life Saving office on 1300 737 763 for information.

For facts at a glance, please see the Drowning Report at www.royallifesaving.com.au

Partnerships Targeting Child Drowning

Given the terrible child drowning statistics this year, there is no better time for Royal Life Saving to be joined by two great Australian brands, PoolWerx and UNCLE TOBYS(r) to target child drowning.

PoolWerx are supporting our Keep Watch campaign, aimed at families with children 0 to 4 years old, while UNCLE TOBYS(r) are supporting the Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive Drowning Prevention Strategy aimed at children aged 5 to 15.

"We're delighted to be joined by two Australian icons to work with us to reduce child drowning in Australia," Royal Life Saving CEO Rob Bradley said.

"We know from our research that children under five face very specific risks around the home, and children over five usually lose their lives to drowning in waterways like rivers and dams. So it makes sense to have two companies, each who have very specific expertise to bring to the table, supporting the campaign to reduce drowning."

PoolWerx CEO John O'Brien said their network of retail hubs and mobile service vans nation_wide were united to promote the vital Keep Watch campaign message within their local communities.

"Our commitment to target zero preventable backyard drowning deaths is shared throughout our franchisee network, Mr O'Brien said.

"They are in their local communities working with clients to ensure Australian backyard pools are safe, healthy swimming environments. There are no second chances with children near pools and it is our responsibility to ensure we are doing all that we can through our partnership with Royal Life Saving. Our experience and expertise from our national network is committed to educating communities about the importance of pool safety.

"If we can help save the life of just one little one _ well, how do you put a price on that?"

Nestlé Australia, General Manager Confectionery & Snacks, Andrew McIver said UNCLE TOBYS(r) were proud to be working together with the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia with the goal of preventing the drowning deaths of more than 50 children each year.

"UNCLE TOBYS(r) is proud to be investing half a million dollars over three years to help teach Australian children how to swim and survive in the water in partnership with Royal Life Saving," Mr McIver said.

"We believe that together we can save children's lives. All Australian children should be given the opportunity to learn to Swim, Survive and Stay Alive. UNCLE TOBYS(r) Ambassadors Grant Hackett, Eamon Sullivan, Emily Seebohm, Cate Campbell and Jana Rawlinson will all be actively involved in this campaign."