Aussies help prevent drowning in the Philippines

Royal Life Saving recently answered a call for help from their sister organisation, the Philippine Lifesaving Society, who are working to provide a drowning-free future in the Philippines.


Royal Life Saving recently answered a call for help from their sister organisation, the Philippine Lifesaving Society, who are working to provide a drowning-free future in the Philippines.

Each year, 350,000 children are estimated to drown across Asia. At least 6000 children are known to drown each year in the Philippines alone.

Royal Life Saving’s outgoing National President, Shayne Baker, and Glyn Reinbott travelled to Boracay Island to facilitate the re-qualification of some of the Philippine Lifesaving Society’s volunteers, as well as working to support the assessment of new recruits to the organisation and assisting with the first lifesaving sporting event in the Philippines.

They also conducted a seminar about the importance of water safety for local community members, including
representatives from local government, the coast guard, resort owners and lifesavers.

“In Australia, we’re lucky that lifesaving has been a part of our culture for more than 115 years, but our nearby neighbours in the region haven’t been so fortunate, Mr Baker said. “Given that wealth of experience and knowledge it makes sense that we lend a hand to organisations like the Philippine Lifesaving Society who are working to save lives.

“It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and to know that our contribution really is making a difference.

In total 52 participants received the award of Bronze Medallion, 70 people participated in the seminar and 85 people competed in the first lifesaving event in the Philippines.