Alex Hawke Reminds Local Residents To Stay Safe Whilst Swimming This Summer
Thursday, 29 September 2011
As the weather begins to heat up for summer, many residents in the Hills head to the beach or a local pool. Swimming is a great way for people of all ages to have fun, keep fit and keep cool.
Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke encourages everyone to take part in one of Australia’s favourite activities but after the recent release of the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia’s National Drowning Report for 2011 Mr Hawke is urging all residents to take extra care whilst in the water.
“Swimming is a great activity,” Alex Hawke said. “There is nothing better than keeping cool on a hot summer’s day whilst exercising and enjoying the company of family and friends. However, what starts out as a fun activity can turn into a disaster if people are not careful.
“The National Drowning Report showed that almost two thirds of all drowning fatalities occur in the seasons of summer and spring which is why I am joining with our local Royal Life Saving Society to urge all families to take care.
“So many wonderful family memories are formed in a pool or at the beach. The last thing anybody wants to see is a tragedy.”
David Macallister is the CEO of the Royal Life Saving Society NSW Branch. Mr Macallister urged local families in the Hills to be alert whilst enjoying a swim.
“The three main areas of concern in regards to drowning are the 0-5 age group, males from 18-35 under the influence of alcohol and the over 55 age group,” David Macallister said.
“Whilst education and awareness are vital in helping the last two groups it is very difficult to effectively educate children in the 0-5 age group.
“The target for this group is to make sure that parents and other responsible adults make sure the back yard pool is safe, that the pool has adequate fencing and a gate that locks.
“Children should be taught water familiarisation and it is important for everyone to learn about resuscitation.
“Whilst the majority of household drowning occurs in backyard swimming pools parents need to be aware that it can occur anywhere, in the bathtub, in a nappy bucket, a toilet bowl or a fish tank. Kids are attracted to water, if you are bathing your child and the doorbell or telephone rings make sure you take the child with you even if it is only going to be a few seconds. Whenever a child is near the water they must be fully supervised.”
Alex Hawke commended the Royal Life Saving Society for the work that they do in assisting to prevent drowning whilst facilitating healthy, active lifestyles.
“In my dealings with the NSW Branch of the Royal Life Saving Society I have always been impressed by their work in areas such as education, training, health and aquatic risk management,” Mr Hawke said.
“The NSW Branch is located right here in Castle Hill, everyone in the area should take great pride in knowing that such positive work is happening right here in our community. Have fun in the water this summer but please stay safe,” Alex Hawke concluded.