Member for Bega Andrew Constance has today announced that applications are now open for organisations across our region to improve water safety in the community and help prevent drownings throughout NSW. Mr Constance said last summer, 41 people tragically drowned at a range of locations across the state, we are looking for community involvement to help reduce that number.
“Whether in the surf at the beach, kayaking on a lake or river, out on a boat or taking a dip in the backyard swimming pool, it’s important to recognise that where there’s water, there’s danger,” Mr Constance said. “To ensure we don’t experience another horror summer season, I urge local community-based organisations that run water safety initiatives to apply for funding.” The Water Safety Fund Community Grants Program will prioritise initiatives that target high-risk groups and locations, identified in research undertaken by Royal Life Saving Society Australia for the government. This includes projects that focus on:
encouraging parents to actively supervise their children around water;
changing the risk-taking behaviour of men;
highlighting the dangers of swimming at unpatrolled locations; and
educating Aboriginal communities, CALD communities, and international visitors
Grants range from $25,000 to $250,000, and collaborative projects between water safety and community organisations will be given precedence. Mr Constance said each drowning death in a community is one too many, let’s work together to make the 2017-18 summer season a safe one.”
Applications for the Water Safety Fund Community Grants Program close on 4 August 2017.
For information on how to apply, visit: http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/Pages/water-safety-fund/Water-Safety-Fund.aspx.
The Summer Drowning Report 16/17 by Royal Life Saving is also available at: http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au.
