The report “The Social, Health and Economic Value of the Australian National Aquatic Industry” prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia (PwC) and commissioned by Royal Life Saving found that the aquatic industry benefits the Australian community and:

• contributes $9.1 billion annually in combined economic, health and social benefits.

• is a driver of economic activity throughout Australia, employing the equivalent of 33,600 full-time employees and adding $2.8 billion to gross domestic product (GDP).

• is a generator of $2.5 billion in health, ranging across a reduction in the burden of disease.

• improved mental health outcomes, reduced absenteeism, and fewer childhood drowning deaths is a provider of $3.8 billion’s worth of social benefits such as: enhancing an individual’s leisure time or creating increased life satisfaction; by bringing people together; supporting more vulnerable groups; and supporting early learning.

• Saves 7,479 disability adjusted life years every year.

• Provides a social return on investment of $4.87 for every dollar spent operating an aquatic facility in a capital city or $2.18 in regional Australia.

• Employs over 67,000 employees, making it one of the largest employers in the sport and recreation sector.

• Provides highly accessible leisure, fitness and learning to the 89% of Australians who live within 20 minutes’ drive of a public pool.

• Generates valuable economic activity throughout regional Australia, as 57% of aquatic facilities are located outside of capital cities. ]

https://issuu.com/royallifesaving/docs/royal_life_saving_au_report_digital/1?ff