As the world observes World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2024, Belgravia Leisure is joining forces with Royal Life Saving Australia, Belgravia Academy, Water Safety New Zealand, Swimming Australia and local Councils to ‘Go Blue’.
Belgravia Leisure managed aquatic venues across Australia and New Zealand are going all out for our World Drowning Prevention Day, ‘Going Blue’ initiative. Members and guests will see our year-round aquatic venues decked out in blue, with special decorations and displays highlighting the importance of water safety. Staff will be showing their support with blue zinc and there will be posters and information available on crucial action steps to prevent drowning.
A United Nations declared day, World Drowning Prevention is a recognised day that aims to raise awareness for drowning prevention and to reduce preventable deaths.
“Drowning is preventable, and everyone has a role to play,” says Nick Cox CEO of Belgravia Leisure. “Through initiatives like our GOswim program with Swimming Australia, rigorous safety protocols and community education programs, we aim to empower all individuals – regardless of age, gender, background, circumstances or ability – with lifesaving skills to ensure safer aquatic experiences for all.
“Royal Life Saving Australia reports that globally, nearly a quarter of a million people lose their lives to drowning every year. Almost 82,000 of them are children.
“We urge everyone to take proactive steps in water safety, including learning to swim, supervising children around water and acquiring First Aid and CPR skills through Belgravia Academy’s accredited courses. Additionally, we are committed to setting safety standards at our venues and reducing drowning incidents through ongoing initiatives and partnerships,” Mr Cox concluded.
How to take action to prevent drowning:
Enrol in swimming lessons
We proudly partner with Swimming Australia to offer the GOswim program, making swimming and water safety an enjoyable experience for all. With graded levels catering to every skill level and age—from 6 months to adults—GOswim ensures inclusivity and personalised learning.
Our highly qualified teachers, trained by industry leaders, are dedicated to improving your swimming skills and safety knowledge.
Find your nearest GOswim location.
Supervise children
In 2022, following industry incidents, the Belgravia Leisure Safety Team introduced the Triple A’s for Aquatic Safety strategy—Be Alert, Be Aware, Be Active—emphasising vigilant supervision. This initiative has evolved into a leading internal education program, conducted quarterly across our 180 venues to ensure consistent safety measures.
Parents and guardians also have a crucial role in the supervision of children while visiting our pools.
A ten-year analysis (2005 – 2015) highlighted parental supervision as a critical factor in aquatic facility drownings. Parents actively supervising and remaining vigilant around water is essential.
Parents Supervise, Lifeguards Save Lives.
Learn CPR
Belgravia Academy’s nationally accredited training programs prioritise safety and quality, meeting industry standards.
The First Aid & CPR course teaches essential first aid skills aligned with guidelines from the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and national clinical bodies, preparing individuals to respond effectively in drowning and other emergency situations.
Learn First Aid & CPR.
Become a pool lifeguard or swim teacher
One way that we can work to reduce these fatalities is to encourage people to consider becoming a lifeguard or swim teacher, which is why Belgravia Leisure venues are calling for applicants for these lifesaving roles, with applications open now nationwide!
We support you through training and practical experience at our venues. Contact your local Belgravia Leisure venue today to start your journey or view our courses below.
Pool lifeguard and swim teacher courses.
Don’t forget!
- Check pool fences and gates
- Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
- Wear a lifejacket
- Know the conditions
- Never swim alone
- Check your ego; know your swimming ability.
Together, with our partners and communities, we can create safer aquatic environments for all. Let’s make water safety a priority, today and every day.
- Explore our career opportunities.
- Learn more about our people.
