Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland is honored to have Laurie Lawrence as our Patron. A world-renowned coach, athlete, and child safety advocate, Laurie embodies the dedication and passion required to ensure the well-being of Australia’s children.
A Legacy of Excellence
Laurie Lawrence is an iconic figure in Australian sport. A former Wallaby and a world-class swimming coach, he has represented Australia at multiple Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Under his guidance, Australian athletes have broken numerous World, Commonwealth, and National records, culminating in his induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1996.
Beyond the podium, Laurie is a successful entrepreneur and the founder of the Laurie Lawrence Learn To Swim School, which specializes in tailored programs for children with physical disabilities and hearing or speech impairments.
The Kids Alive Partnership
Laurie’s most enduring legacy is the Kids Alive Drowning Prevention Campaign, launched in 1988 with the ambitious goal of reaching zero child drownings in Australia.
As the peak body for early childhood education in Queensland, ACA Qld works in close partnership with Laurie to integrate vital water safety messages into the daily lives of educators and families.
Our Collaborative Impact:
- Educational Integration: We advocate for the inclusion of the Kids Alive program in every early learning service across Australia.
- Resource Distribution: ACA Qld assists in providing free educational materials—including books, videos, and music—to early childhood services to ensure water safety is taught from a young age.
- National Advocacy: We support Laurie’s mission to halve drowning deaths through community awareness and government-backed safety initiatives.
The Five Pillars of Water Safety
ACA Qld urges all members to adopt the Kids Alive safety principles as an integral part of their educational programming:
- Fence the pool
- Shut the gate
- Teach your kids to swim
- Supervise – watch your mate
- Learn how to resuscitate
We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Laurie Lawrence and remain committed to promoting safety, health, and excellence within the early childhood sector.
“With the right education and vigilant supervision, we can reach the goal of zero child drownings.” — Laurie Lawrence
For more information on the Kids Alive Program, go to www.kidsalive.com.au.