“Boating safety for kids” program wins major Victorian marine award

- 15,000 primary school children reap the benefits

A highly successful first of its kind $250,000 on water safety initiative that tens of thousands of Victorian primary students have benefited from has won a major marine industry award.

The Boating Safety for Kids Program has won the Victorian Safety Initiative by an Organisation award that was announced today (Friday July 6th) in Melbourne at the Boating Industry Association’s annual Marine Industry Awards at Crown.

Encourages safety and responsible behaviour
The Boating Safety for Kids Educational Program was developed over three years as a first of its kind community educational partnership by Yachting Victoria (on water component) and Life Saving Victoria (the classroom sessions).
It aimed to promote basic boating safety tips and skills, and in excess of 15,000 grade five and six students participated in the fun but informative program over the last twelve months.

It encourages safety and responsible behaviour on and around the water from an early age. In many cases what is learnt is shared with, and influences parental behaviour.

The General Manager of Life Saving Victoria, Warwick Waters says, “This partnership has allowed us to engage in an industry partnership with Yachting Victoria to develop and deliver a unique community water safety program for young people.”

The CEO of Yachting Victoria, Ross Kilborn says,” Fifteen yacht and boating clubs around the state and over twenty qualified Yachting Victoria instructors have delivered the on water training component. From the many letters received the students and their teachers have just loved the program.”

The Boating Safety for Kids Program has received widespread recognition from teachers, students, community leaders and it has generated good coverage in the media.

The $250,000 initiative was developed under Marine Safety Victoria’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program, which is funded from Boat Registration and Licensing fees paid by all Victorian boaters.

More Info:  www.yachtingvictoria.com.au                                  www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au
Ross Kilborn - Yachting Victoria Ph 03 9597 0066 - Button 8         
Warwick Waters - Life Saving Victoria Ph 9676 6912
Media:   Mike Sabey – Sabey & Associates                 Ph 9533 8030    Mob 0418 354 732