Acting Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas today launched the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland's Grey Medallion program.

"Enjoying water is an integral part of Queenslander's way of life," Mr Lucas said.

"Unfortunately water can be a dangerous place. What many people are not aware of is that in Queensland in the year to 30 June 2009 people aged 55+ represented 29 per cent of all drowning deaths; and children under 5 represented 17 per cent.

"The Grey Medallion program gives more mature members of the community an opportunity to get fit and also learn skills to save themselves or others in emergency situations.

"This is all done in a non-competitive and social environment, allowing participants an opportunity to socialise and have fun whilst also learning valuable skills," Mr Lucas said.

In Queensland 24 adults aged 55 years and over drowned in Queensland in 2008-09. National statistics show almost 100 people aged 55 or over die by drowning each year in Australia, including around 60 who die as a result of accidental drowning.

Another 75 older Australians are admitted to hospital each year after a near-drowning incident; while 534 people aged 55 years and over on average are treated in hospital for injuries that occur while they are involved in aquatic activities such as boating and fishing.

"Many older people are also grandparents who are responsible for the supervision of young children; and this is often done around water-based activities such as around the family pool or attending swimming lessons," Mr Lucas said.

"Grandparents will do anything to ensure the safety of their grandchildren and the emergency care skills and resuscitation techniques learned during the Grey Medallion program could prove vital if the life of a grandchild is in danger."

Mr Lucas said the Grey Medallion program was not designed to be difficult for older people to undertake, with the program designed to give older people the skills and confidence to deal with an emergency situation.

"This comes down to giving people the skills to help themselves or others if danger arises in an aquatic situation," Mr Lucas said.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 22 September 2009 )