Life Saving Victoria has developed a water safety app for smart devices.

This is aimed at preventing drownings.

Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett has officially launched the Everyday Lifesaver App at Strathmore Secondary College.

The app targets Years 7 and 8 students and features interactive animations and games, which teaches water safety, emergency responses and CPR skills.

Life Saving Victoria’s General Manager of Education Services Kate Simpson said preventable drowning and aquatic related injury are the leading cause of death and hospitalisation among adolescents aged 10 to 19 in Victoria.

“It can be challenging implementing drowning prevention strategies to secondary school students because of an increase in risk-taking behaviour and alcohol,” Ms Simpson said.

“Using the latest technology, this app teaches critical lifesaving skills and shows them how to identify risk around the water.’ ‘

The app is being trialled across 20 Victorian schools and is free to download at iTunes and Google Play stores until March 2016.