Negotiations on with Royal Life Saving Society over future mgmt of Vacswim

30/12/98

Negotiations are under way with the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (WA branch) to discuss the group's involvement in the future of WA's vacation swimming program.

Education Minister Colin Barnett confirmed today that the well-respected water safety education organisation had been selected from a competitive proposals process for further discussions before a final decision on the future management of Vacswim was made by the Government.

Mr Barnett said that swimming associations and surf clubs were already involved in running vacation swimming programs around the State.

"While the Royal Life Saving Society might extend its involvement with the management of Vacswim, the Education Department will always continue to maintain a close and ongoing role," he said.

In September, the State Government offered an opportunity for organisations to express interest in managing the Education Department's school holiday swimming program and swimming teacher training classes.

Several organisations put forward proposals. These were assessed by a panel set up by the Education Department which recommended that negotiations begin with the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (WA branch).

Mr Barnett said further discussions would focus on degree of access and costs to parents, plans for expanding the types of programs on offer and marketing the program to boost participation rates.

"While there are more than 60,000 children across the State participating in Vacswim this year, I am conscious that numbers have been declining, from around 78,000 in the early 1990s, and fresh ideas about the program could see participation rates start to increase again," the Minister said.

"Vacation swimming classes are not only about learning to swim, they are about safety in all water circumstances, whether in a pool or in the ocean.

"Many children may learn to swim in backyard pools, but may not be able to handle themselves at the beach where rips and currents are common. It is important children learn to handle themselves no matter what the water environment."

The Royal Life Saving Society is a non-profit, community-based organisation which aims to promote safe participation in water related activity through the provision of educational programs in swimming, water safety, personal survival, lifesaving, lifeguarding and resuscitation.

The society has been in operation in Australia since 1894 and is one of the largest water safety and lifesaving education organisations in the world, being active in more than 40 countries.

Media contact: Justine Whittome, (08) 9222 9699