The Samuel Morris Foundation, established in March 2007, is Australia's only charity preventing the the second leading cause of death in 0-4 year olds and supporting survivors with hypoxic brain injuries.

Winner of the "Patrons Award for the most significant contribution to water safety with a focus on an under-represented group" at 2008 NSW Water Safety Awards

“Probably the greatest irony in me becoming an Olympic swimmer is that I could have drowned before I was two years old. Twice I was plucked from the bottom of the pool by my father and it’s unfortunate to know that thirty years on childhood drownings are as high as ever. Despite all the warnings child drowning continues to be a tragic part of Australian society. I am honoured to be a part of the Samuel Morris Foundation as I was one of the lucky survivors, many children are not as fortunate. It is reassuring to know that the foundation is supporting children disabled by near drowning and is continuing to promote prevention of future deaths and disability from drowning. Together we can all make a huge difference”.

Recent research conducted in NSW revealed that child death rates had fallen in every category EXCEPT drowning. For every child who dies as a result of drowning, there are three to four children admitted to hospital as a result of near drownings, and almost one quarter (22.5%) of those admitted to hospital as a result of a near drowning will experience severe or persistent consequences such as profound neuorological damage, spastic quadraplegia, attention, memory and perceptual defects. Many of these children will need a wide range of equipment, and the Samuel Morris Foundation is here to help provide it.

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