Message from our Patrons As Patrons of Royal Life Saving Society (Australia) Northern Territory Branch, it gives us great pleasure to contribute to your annual report. Recreational water activities are a much-loved part of life in our Northern Territory. Ensuring that all Territorians have access to the tools and resources needed to promote water safety is such an important responsibility. Royal Life Saving Society (Australia) Northern Territory Branch continues to take on this responsibility with enduring passion and remarkable success. We are very happy to learn the results of your achievements over the past year. This year, the Remote Swim, Survive and Strive program was delivered across 20 remote communities. This has enabled children and young people living in some of our most remote locations across the Territory to learn vital water safety and strong and effective swimming techniques. Delivering such programs across the vastness of the Northern Territory is an outstanding achievement and we offer our congratulations and thanks to all facilitators involved. Sadly, each year Territorians lose loved ones to drowning incidents and Craig and I offer our heartfelt condolences to those families who have been affected by these tragedies. We are reminded of the importance of School Swimming and Water Safety programs and what a vital part they play in ensuring the safety of all Territorians. With over 14,000 children participating in Swim and Survive this year, we can all take comfort in knowing that our young Territorians are confident and well-equipped to safely enjoy our beautiful Territory waterways. In the last twelve months, Royal Life Saving (Australia) Northern Territory Branch has seen more than 2000 children enrolled in the Water Safety Awareness Program. Over 28,000 children have participated in the Program since inception, which has no doubt contributed to the prevention of drowning instances in children under five years of age. As joint Patrons, we were delighted to host and award the inaugural Administrators Medal Award this year. This Award acknowledges an individual for their exceptional contribution to Lifesaving, Water Safety and Drowning Prevention in the Northern Territory. Congratulations to the nine nominees and the winner of the Award, Petina Franklin. On behalf of all Territorians, thank you to all staff and members for your outstanding service to our community. We look forward to continuing working with you in support of your organisation over the coming year. Yours in Lifesaving, Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO Administrator of the Northern Territory and Mr Craig O’Halloran 16 August 2021
4 ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY (AUSTRALIA) NORTHERN TERRITORY BRANCH
