Water safety action statement
A plan to ensure every Queenslander has the information and support
they need to be safe in and around water.

We will work to align all programs, training and resources to the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework
In a state like Queensland, where water activities are part of our lifestyle, the safety of our children and families in and around the water is paramount. Water safety is a life skill which starts from the moment a child comes into contact with water through all stages to adult life. For this reason we need Queenslanders of all ages to get involved. We know that Queenslanders take the safety of their families seriously, and will do all that they can to ensure they have the skills and knowledge they need to be safe in and around water.

Broader

Swimming is a life skill every child should have and every parent and guardian should insist upon.
Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Premier and Minister for Trade

All primary school students will be provided with the opportunity to

We all have a role to play in addressing this issue of water safety.
The Honourable Grace Grace MP Minister for Education

Before school-age
We will:
communicate to parents and carers the importance of supervision around
water, particularly children aged 0–4 years
support children aged 3–5 years to access high quality water
safety programs.

School-age
We will:
develop an evidence-based water safety and swimming education program
aligned to the Australian Curriculum
provide schools with a statement of

community
We will:
provide water safety messages in multiple languages to support our culturally and linguistically diverse
community
provide access to water safety information for a variety of
aquatic environments.

engage in appropriate water safety and learn to swim programs.

Drowning is the leading preventable cause of death in the early childhood years (1–4 years)1

In 2016–17 drowning was the second leading external (non-natural) cause of child deaths (0–17 years)1

In 2016–17 not one child drowned in a

Together, Queensland Government and their non-government partners are working to make Queensland a water safe state.

expectations to assist in planning for water safety programs
support state schools through increased Learn to Swim funding
for state schools with primary students.

pool that had a compliant pool fence with the gate latched2

1Queensland Family & Child Commission, 2018. Child death register key findings 2016–17: Child deaths in Queensland. Available at: https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/child-deaths-annual- report2016-17/All-child-deaths-factsheet-2016-17.pdf
2https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/parents/child-drownings-factsheet.pdf

Queensland — the water safe state