Tuesday, July 25th, is World Drowning Prevention Day. This year’s theme, “Anyone Can Drown, But No One Should,” highlights the urgency of preventing drowning incidents.
Last year 281 people drowned in Australia, 77% were male and 57% were adults over 45 years of age. Drowning is abrupt and silent, often occurring in seconds.
What leads to drowning can happen in just moments:
- A small child slipping unnoticed into a pond or pool on a sunny afternoon.
- Feeling invincible after a few drinks and jumping into the ocean for a swim.
- Accepting one extra passenger on a boat, despite the risk of capsizing.
- Deciding it’s too much of a hassle to put on a lifejacket.
However, with the right awareness and actions, these moments can be changed for the better. Seconds can save a life.
For BlueFit Swimming student Eli, a family camping trip turned into a terrifying ordeal. Hear from his mum, Karlee, about the importance of swimming lessons and her lived experience of every parent's worst fear.
How Can We Help?
- Enrol in swimming lessons: Essential for everyone, especially in Australia. Visit our website.
- Supervise children at all times when around water: Follow our pool supervision policy at each facility.
- Check pool and fence gates: Keep them closed at all times.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs around water.
- Wear a lifejacket.
- Take note of your surroundings and know the conditions.
- Become a Pool Lifeguard or Swim Teacher: Join our team at BlueFit. Click here for more information.
- Learn CPR.
Every small step can save lives. Let’s work together to prevent drowning.