Preventing serious injuries and drownings in the water
Australians love the water; whether it’s swimming at the beach, jumping in the pool or exploring the local river. Unfortunately over half of all sporting and leisure spinal cord injuries in Australia occur in, or on, the water.
Through our aqua program we seek to prevent serious injuries and drownings within the aquatic environment. The program is aimed at late primary, middle, and upper school students and is well supported by specially developed resources. Suitable for delivery in schools, surf clubs or other community group settings.
The program is facilitated by a presenter who has sustained a spinal cord injury through an aqua-related traumatic incident and includes a personal testimony and scenario-based activities to help participants identify risk-reduction strategies.
Real life stories, close to the heart
Our injury prevention program speakers are inspiring individuals who have sustained a permanent injury; with many living full lives as a quadriplegic or paraplegic member of the community. Through our speakers’ personal stories, PBF is able to build greater awareness of the risks of spinal cord injury in Australia and as well as encourage safety around water and support better decision-making.
All our speakers are trained in facilitation techniques, presentation, listening and communication skills, and have an understanding of youth risk-taking behaviours and aquatic safety issues.
- Demonstrate the potential consequences of unsafe water activities
- Improve decision-making ability and awareness of the major risk factors leading to aqua injury
- Communicate the impact of serious injury or death
- Encourage a sense of personal responsibility for choices and the consequences
- Encourage young people to be assertive in communicating safe choices to peers