The Poster “Older Australians Aquatic Safety by Richard Franklin of Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSSA) was awarded the Recognition of Excellence prize at the World Water Safety 2007 Conference held

The Poster “Older Australians Aquatic Safety by Richard Franklin of Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSSA) was awarded the Recognition of Excellence prize at the World Water Safety 2007 Conference held during September in Porto, Portugal.

The prize was awarded by the Conference Scientific Committee chaired by Dr Steve Beerman of Canada, from more than 30 Posters on display.

The Poster identified that previously very little work had been undertaken examining drowning deaths of older people either in Australia or overseas.

Specifically, the research identified a number of areas that need to be incorporated into drowning prevention strategies for older Australians. Issues included risky locations (e.g. open water and baths), activities prior to drowning and personal attributes (such as being alone, swimming ability and underlying medical conditions). It also explored the idea of developing and delivering a water safety program specifically for older people and those in their care (such as grandchildren).

Richard, who has recently completed the requirements for his PhD, is currently the National Manager Research and Health Promotion at the RLSSA.