Community grants are now being offered for projects to reduce drowning and improve water safety in NSW.

The Water Safety Fund Community Grants Program provides $4.5 million over three years to not-for-profit and community groups with experience delivering water safety initiatives. 

“According to Royal Life Saving Society Australia, 96 people drowned in NSW waterways in 2015-16, the majority at beaches, followed by rivers, creeks and streams,” Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC, said.

“This is a tragic statistic and that is why this government has allocated $11 million over three years to the Water Safety Fund.

“The aim of the fund is to reduce drowning in NSW by supporting projects that increase water safety in high risk locations, population groups and activities.

“For example, high risk activities might include rock fishing, safety in the surf or alcohol and drug use around the water.

“The Community Grants Program is an important project and I am encouraging not-for-profit organisations and community groups to submit a proposal.”

Grants from $50,000 to $250,000 are available for projects starting in 2017, such as targeted education campaigns, signage and safety aids, and research.

To be eligible, proposals should address priority areas under the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2016-2020, particularly high risk locations and key causes of drowning.

Applications close on 2 December and successful applicants will be notified early next year.

To apply or for more information, go to: www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au