The Hemant Govekar Foundation
Water Safety - Facts & Figures:
Worldwide more than 200, 000 people on average die due to a drowning incident every year. Furthermore, according to the Australian Royal Life Saving Society and Surf Life Saving associations, there has been a 20% increase in drowning rates over the 2020-2021 period in spite of the continuous lockdowns and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With 39% of all drownings typically occurring during the months of summer, the Australian Government declared the first day of summer, December 1st, as ‘National Water Safety Day’ with the aim to encourage Australians to prioritise water safety!
About The Hemant Govekar Foundation:
Hemant Govekar Foundation (HGF) is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to raise greater awareness surrounding water safety and improve water survival skills particularly amongst students and new arrivals to Australia. This organisation was created in memory of Hemant Govekar, a driven and caring individual who unfortunately passed away in a tragic drowning accident on Christmas Day 2017 at Philip Island, Australia and is currently run by his sister and cousin. Since its establishment in early 2018, the foundation has organised multiple water safety awareness sessions, attended various media events to raise awareness and sponsored swimming lessons and resuscitation/CPR training to Australian migrants.
How to can you be more water safe?:
Learn the common beach safety flags and signs. If there aren’t any flags, only enter the water if it is safe to do so.
Enrol in swimming, water safety and/or lifesaving classes
Check the weather conditions on the day and don’t swim in bad weather
Buddy up - don’t swim alone
Know your limits
Actively supervise young children around water
Obey lifesaver’s instructions
Swim on patrolled beaches and between the red and yellow flags
Observe the water and the area for potential hazards before getting in