RISING TIDE

THE Bellarine Aquatic Sports Centre’s Learn to Swim program is experiencing record numbers of enrolments as drowning deaths Australia-wide continue to rise.

Latest figures from The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report reveal that 291 people died in Australian waterways this past year, nine more than the 2015/2016 period.

City of Greater Geelong director of community life Linda Quinn said in light of the recent report it was encouraging to see enrolment figures up on the Bellarine.

“Drowning is the most common cause of preventable death for children under five, making it so important for the kids to have respect for water from a young age,” she said.

“Enrolments at the Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre are well up on last year with 1,828 enrolments, compared to 1,587 for the same time last year.

“We are estimating we will go close to 2,000 enrolments for Term Four this year.”

She said swimming lessons helped children learn the importance of water awareness and safety.

“With so many great swimming beaches in close proximity, the City of Greater Geelong knows how important is it that everyone learns to swim.”

The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report showed 74 per cent of the drowning deaths were males, with New South Wales recording the highest number at 93, followed by 73 in Queensland and 45 in Victoria.

Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory recorded the lowest number of drowning deaths, with 42 and 4 people respectively.

The report shows Indeginous, migrant and refugee communities are most at risk being the least likely to achieve national benchmarks of swimming and water safety skills, Rivers, creek and streams had the highest number of drowning deaths, followed by beach and ocean/harbour locations.

For more information about the Learn to Swim Program, which runs between October 9 and December 22, phone phone the Bellarine Aquatic Sports Centre on 5256 2111.

For more on the National Drowning Report, click here.