Premier

New Water Safety App A Class Act This Summer

09 November 2015

Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett has launched a new water safety app to help prevent drownings and teach children to swim safely this summer.

Ms Garrett visited Strathmore Secondary College today to speak to Year 7 and 8 students about the Everyday Lifesaver App, developed by Life Saving Victoria (LSV).

The app features interactive animations and games which teaches students about water safety, emergency responses and how to deliver CPR. It is available for students and teachers to download online.

The app is being trialled with more than 4000 year 7 and 8 students across 20 Victorian schools.

Swimming capability is declining across the state, with an estimated 60 per cent of children leaving primary school unable to swim 50 metres continuously.

Preventable drowning and aquatic-related injury are a leading cause of death and hospitalisation among adolescents aged 10-19 years in Victoria.

There were 241 drowning incidents between 2000 and 2013 involving adolescents aged 10-19, including 41 fatalities.

LSV’s General Manager of Education Services, Kate Simpson, said the app would help teach children critical life saving skills and show them how to identify risks around the water.

The Everyday Lifesaver App and teacher support resources can be accessed via
everydaylifesaver.com.au.

The app is also available for free at iTunes and Google Play stores until March 2016.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett

“The loss of a loved one through drowning is a tragedy. With summer just around the corner, we need to make sure our kids have the skills to stay safe around the water.”

“The Everyday Lifesaver App is a great educational tool for the classroom and teaches kids about water safety in a fun and interactive way.”

“This app teaches kids about the risks and how to respond in an emergency. It will make our beaches safer and it could help save someone’s life.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?