Survival skills

By Nicole Williams
CHILDREN drowning deaths are on the rise.
The Royal Life Saving 2010 National Drowning Report showed that the number of drowning deaths had increased 20 per cent in two years and children aged five to 14 accounted for five per cent of all drowning deaths.
Thirty-three children aged under five drowned last year and it was the second year the figure had increased.
“We are a nation that loves water. We can all help reduce the drowning toll … and we must,” Royal Life Saving chief executive Rob Bradley said.
Royal Life Saving warns that supervision is essential and children need to learn water safety and swimming skills, preferably at a young age.
Mr Bradley said there needed to be a greater focus on teaching children swimming and water safety skills at school and at home.
“There’s been a real drop-off in children learning water safety and lifesaving skills,” he said.
The report showed that one in five children leave primary school without basic swimming and water safety skills and it becomes harder to learn as they age.
Secondary schools often did not teach water skills and children became self-conscious as they grew older, finding ways to avoid water.
The general manager of Life Saving Victoria, Guy Britt, said it was unacceptable.
“Parents and schools need to make swimming and water safety a priority,” he said.
Royal Life Saving also urges Casey residents to check the safety of their pools.
“Thousands of pools across Australia are potential death traps because fence gates aren’t working properly or there is loose or unsafe fencing,” Mr Bradley said.