LIFEGUARDS TO INSTRUCTORS Drrowning Prevention Day showcased

JULY 25 was the third official World Drowning Prevention Day. Blacktown City Council used the day to raise awareness on drowning as a public health issue.

Speaking at an event at Council’s Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale

OAM paid tribute to the work of staff at Council’s aquatic and leisure centres in keeping the Blacktown City Community safe.

“From our lifeguards that perform water rescues to our emergency services personnel that assist with water rescues, to all the swim instructors that play a vital role in teaching safety in and around the water, thank you,” he said.

“World Drowning Prevention Day serves as an opportunity to highlight the chances we have to continue to implement life-saving solutions to prevent drowning in our community. The loss of any life to drowning is tragic, we remember those who have died and the families and communities impacted.”

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death globally for children and young people aged 1-24 years. Every year, an estimated 236,000 people drown. In Australia, hundreds of families lose loved ones to drowning every year.

Mayor Bleasdale has urged the Blacktown City community to act to prevent drowning,

“There are simple actions you can take like enrolling in swimming lessons, supervising children around water, checking your pool fencing and gates, learning CPR and avoiding alcohol and drugs around water,” he said.

Council appreciates the support of organisations like the Royal Life Saving Society, AUSTSWIM, Swim Australia and the Australian Pool and Ocean Lifeguard Association who continue to train and educate Council’s swim instructors and lifeguards.

Three of Council’s aquatic teachers are recipients of AUSTSWIM awards of excellence including Aqua Instructor of the year award, excellence in the infant and preschool teaching category and excellence in the adult teaching category.

Blacktown City Council’s key venues run swimming lessons for all ages. Council recommends that families ensure children and adults maintain their swimming skills during the winter.

Council’s Aqua Learn to Swim program for kids and Swim Sense programs for adults provide valuable lessons about swimming and water safety.

Council’s Aquatic and Leisure Centres at Blacktown, Stanhope and Emerton continue to attract major events and offer the community the latest in an exciting range of health, aquatic, leisure and recreation programs and services.

This includes pools, gym, group fitness, creche, multisport stadiums, Aqua Learn to Swim program, Kidz Blitz school holiday program, tennis courts, squash courts, spa and sauna, and venue hire.