18 Jan 2023

Royal Life Saving Launches new resources for Multicultural Communities

Media Releases

Wednesday 18 January 2023 - Royal Life Saving NSW water safety videos translated into seven priority languages were launched at a community water-safety demonstration day at Lake Parramatta today.

Royal Life Saving NSW CEO Michael Ilinsky said the free event encouraged people from diverse backgrounds who may not have had access to safety programs as children, to enjoy the water with confidence.

“Gathering with family and friends around the water is an Australian way of life to be embraced and enjoyed with confidence.

“Unfortunately people from diverse backgrounds, and those from Western Sydney, have been disproportionately represented in drowning statistics – eight of the 12 most at-risk local government areas are in south-west Sydney and In the past decade there have been 725 people who drowned in Australia, who were born overseas.

“Our goal is to minimise risks by building knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate conditions in and around the water, whether they’re enjoying a day at the lake, heading to a beach or traveling to other inland waterways.

A Day at the Lake brought together 145 participants from Western Sydney’s multicultural communities in western Sydney for practical demonstrations of CPR, dry-land rescue, understanding safety and warning signage. The practical sessions were presented by Royal Life Saving and Surf Life Saving NSW, in collaboration with Parramatta City Council. NSW Member for Parramatta and Minister for Correctional Services, the Hon. Geoff Lee, said: “Almost 70 per cent of drownings occur when lack of swimming and survival skills are a key factor.

“Practical, community-based events, safety education and awareness campaigns help to reduce this toll and provide access to this great Australian way of life for all.

“A Day at the Lake captures the spirit and most important advice for the summer for multicultural communities. Have fun and let’s keep one another safe this summer.” Mr Ilinsky said the safety messages now translated into seven priority languages, target those most at risk of drowning. “RLSNSW encourages community groups, local government and media organisations to share the messages and materials, particularly ahead of the Australia Day long weekend.

“We want all Australians to embrace the water and to do so safely. Whether you’re fishing, boating, swimming, paddling or playing on shore, there are four simple tips to keeping each other safe....