Thursday, 22 February 2024

Water safety

Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for Medical Research) (09:37): Today the top temperature is forecast to be 38 degrees, with thunderstorms and severe hot weather, and we know many Victorians will seek refuge either in backyard pools or at beaches around Australia. It is in that vein that I want to highlight the importance of water safety, because Victoria has had a deadly spike in water harm. The Life Saving Victoria annual report tabled recently showed 59 lives lost due to drowning last financial year, a 33 per cent increase on the past decade. Sadly, we had our worst incident – four members of one family, of Indian descent, passed away near Phillip Island. This was the worst incident in 20 years. One of the family members was quoted in the local paper saying they were all holding hands when:

“The second wave … pushed my brother-in-law out, but took everybody … in …

“In a few seconds, we lost everybody.”

Sadly, all these deaths were preventable, and that is why I want to acknowledge the great work of the VICSWIM Summer Kidz program, because we do know how incredibly important water safety is. Water conditions can change in an instant. Whether you are at the beach or even in the backyard pool, it is as simple as turning your back, or a slippery deck can sometimes come along, and it can all go wrong in less than a minute. We want, as a government, to ensure our littlest Victorians know how important water safety is and to ensure that every child, no matter their background or their circumstances, can swim. I am very proud of the VICSWIM Summer Kidz program, which has been going since 1976. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to welcome the Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence to the East Keilor Leisure Centre just recently on this program.