Don't Drink and Drown is an education and awareness raising campaign that aims to reduce the proportion of 15-29 year olds in Western Australia who consume harmful levels of alcohol and participate in recreational aquatic activity and to reduce the number of alcohol related drownings.
Project Aims
- Increase the proportion of 15-29 year olds in Western Australia who are aware of the risks of consuming alcohol and participating in aquatic activity.
- To increase the knowledge of 15-29 year olds in Western Australia about the dangers associated with consuming harmful levels of alcohol and participating in recreational aquatic activity.
- To lower the levels of alcohol consumption that 15-29 year olds perceive as appropriate for safe participation in aquatic activity.
- To establish harm minimisation strategies and policies relating to alcohol and water safety within 40 community organisations and events.
- To increase collaboration between government, private sector and community organisations on the issue of alcohol and water safety.
The Don't Drink and Drown campaign was piloted over the 2003-2004 summer period as a response to the 1998 and 2004 National Water Safety Plans categorizing young adults alcohol consumption and aquatic activity as a priority area to address. The campaign is run by the Royal Life Saving Australia - WA Branch and Surf Life Saving Western Australia and is proudly supported by the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation.
The projects primary target group is the 15-29 year old age group in Western Australia. As males are more likely to participate in risky behaviour many strategies focus on males, however do not exclude females. The secondary target group are members and staff of community groups, clubs, events and hotels near or based around aquatic environments.
The Don't Drink and Drown campaign engages a range of youth based clubs and events whose activities are based on or around the water through the distribution of the Don't Drink and Drown Kit. A state-wide media campaign supports the initiative.
