Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging local organisations with water safety initiatives to apply for state government funding to help prevent drowning deaths in the community.
Ms Cooke said applications are now open and it’s a great opportunity to secure funding for projects that could make a real difference to community safety.
“The Water Safety Fund Community Grants Program is a fantastic initiative and I am encouraging not-for-profit organisations and community groups all across the electorate to submit a proposal,” Ms Cooke said.
“Whether it be the river or a dam, there are many groups based in the region dedicated to water safety education and I look forward to them coming forward with their ideas.”
Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant acknowledged that while last summer we saw fewer drownings than the year prior, there are still far too many families who have been left to mourn the loss of a loved one.
“The NSW Government is committed to improving water safety and reducing the number of preventable deaths and serious injuries in the water. We want everyone to enjoy our renowned waterways and return home safety,” Mr Grant said.
This year’s Water Safety Fund Community Grants Program will focus on projects addressing:
- Risk-taking behaviour around the water involving young men, and the use of drugs and alcohol;
- Rip current awareness / beach safety
- Taking safety precautions, such as wearing lifejackets while boating and rock fishing
- Highlighting the dangers of swimming at unpatrolled locations;
- Aboriginal communities;
- CALD communities and international visitors.
Grants range from $25,000 to $250,000, with preference given to collaborative projects between water safety and community organisations.
Applications for the Water Safety Fund Community Grants Program close at 3pm, July 27 2018.
For information on how to apply, visit:
http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/Pages/water-safety-fund/Water-Safety-Fund.aspx
The Summer Drowning Report 17/18 by Royal Life Saving is also available at: http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au
