Life Saving Victoria (LSV) has launched a new app that is available to students for learning emergency response, water safety and lifesaving skills. The app uses gamification to make learning water safety, emergency response and CPR more engaging.

The Everyday Lifesaver App is part of a range of strategies employed by LSV and the State Government to address children drowning by increasing their water safety and lifesaving skills. In Victoria, between 2000 and 2013, there were 205 drowning incidents involving children aged 5-14 years; 31 fatal and 174 non-fatal (hospitalisations). Swimming capability is declining in Victoria as evidenced by an estimated 60% of Victorian children leaving primary school unable to swim 50 metres continuously.

‘Everyday Lifesaver’ is accessible online via a variety of tablet devices and PC, which provides teachers and students greater control over how, where and when they learn. LSV will be evaluating the effectiveness of the Everyday Lifesaver App with at least 4000 Year 7 & 8 students from 15 to 20 Victorian schools.

The Everyday Lifesaver App is currently available for all schools to download at no cost in the iTunes and Google Play stores. The App, as well as teacher support resources, can be accessed via http://www.everydaylifesaver.com.au/desktop.php