How an Australian Olympic superstar hopes to help reduce drowning deaths

Australian Olympic champion Emma McKeon is urging parents to be mindful of the fact their children have missed a lot of swimming lessons over the past two years due to COVID-19 before they hit the beach this summer.

The five-time Olympic gold medal winner is supporting a new Surf Life Saving Australian campaign that aims to reduce drowning deaths on Australian beaches

Over the pandemic, drowning deaths have increased by 13 per cent, with over 51 per cent of these occurring at unpatrolled beaches.

“Kids haven’t been having their swimming lessons, which is scary going into summer,” she said.

“I’m just urging everybody to find their nearest patrolled beach and stay safe.”

Press PLAY below to hear Emma McKeon on 3AW

(Photo by Xu Chang/Xinhua via Getty Images)