Melton Waves Leisure Centre is encouraging adults to come forward to improve their confidence in the water, following the release of data which found that drowning deaths in waterways increased by 20 per cent across Australia from July 1 2020 to June 30 2021.
The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report indicated that a total of 294 people died from drowning in the 12 month period.
Fatalities in rivers and creeks accounted for 26 per cent of drownings, followed by beaches (22 per cent) and oceans and harbours (15 per cent).
The majority of these incidents (36 per cent) occurred in metropolitan areas.
At Melton Waves Leisure Centre, facility manager Shaun Wyatt and his team coordinate regular beginners swimming lessons for adults and children.
Mr Wyatt said it was a focus of the centre’s to make swimming lessons accessible and enjoyable to all walks of life.
“We want demographics that aren’t as strong [in the water], to jump in and give it a go,” he said.
“We are surrounded by water, so the most important thing is to know how to swim.”
Mr Wyatt said the centre was liaising with council to introduce a subsidised program for adults.
Oliver Lees
