Speeches
Tuesday, 03 December 2024
Reception for Royal Life Saving Society Australia SA Branch 115th Anniversary
Rod and I as joint Patrons welcome you to Government House to celebrate the 115th anniversary of the Royal Life Saving Society in South Australia.
We especially welcome those who have come a long way to be here today.
Today we mark 115 years of protecting the community, 115 years of providing education and training, and 115 years of leadership and advocacy.
Your work in ensuring the safety of those who enjoy the water is vital to our Australian way of life.
We love being in and around the water, and now that summer has begun, being safe becomes vital as we venture out to our pools, our rivers, and our beaches.
Rod and I recently visited the Arc Recreation Centre at Campbelltown and were struck by the number of children, some no more than a few months old, who were learning to swim.
The determination on their faces was matched by their sheer joy of being in the water, and the pride of their parents.
All were expertly being guided by swim instructors and watched over by lifesavers.
As well, I know many school children benefit from the schools’ programs held there and other pools.
Thank you for instilling safety in the water right from an early age through to adulthood.
Friends
On such an occasion it is worth reflecting on the society’s impact:
- More than one million Australians undertake a Royal Life Saving course or program every year.
- More than five million Australians have achieved their Bronze Medallion since inception.
- More than 10 million have learnt their essential water safety skills through Swim and Survive.
- The Holiday Swim Program provides more than 5,000 children the opportunity to experience vital water safety education, particularly in remote communities.
Statistics show you are making a difference.
In South Australia in 2023/24, sadly, 12 drowning deaths were recorded - but this was the lowest since 2007/08 and is a welcome 19% decrease on the 10-year average for the State.
The commitment of the Society to inclusivity is to be applauded. Through the Inclusive Swim program, more than 300 children and adults living with autism have the opportunity to gain experience in water safety in a sensory friendly environment.
And in 2023, I was pleased to present here in the Government House grounds, a Governor’s Multicultural Award to the Royal Life Saving Society of SA’s Multicultural Program for culturally and linguistically diverse communities who are at higher risk of drowning: it is sobering to learn a quarter of those who drown in Australia each year are born overseas.
I thank you for reaching out to all sectors of the South Australian community.
I thank not only those who have gained valuable skills, but also those who drive Royal Lifesaving’s work: the staff, the board, the members, the volunteers, the trainers, the supporters, the employers. People like you.
Congratulations on being the guardians of the water and “turning everyday people into everyday community lifesavers.”
May you do so for many more generations of Australians.