Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral (VADM) Ray Griggs, and Chief Executive Officer for Life Education NSW, Mr Jay Bacik, have launched the national Ocsober Awareness campaign at the Australian Defence Force Academy Pool with a 24 hour team relay swim.

Navy personnel entered the water at midday Friday on 6 September for the continuous swim which will conclude on midday Saturday.

VADM Griggs thanked the Navy swimmers for giving their time and supporting such a great cause.

“Last year we were the top corporate contributor in terms of fundraising with over $45,000, and we're well on our way to that already with a month before we start October,” VDM Griggs said.

Navy is in its fourth year of supporting Life Education's Ocsober campaign, which encourages Aussies to go ‘sober’ to raise money for Life Education Australia.

Life Education is the largest non-government provider of drug and health education to Australian kids. The not-for-profit organisation visits primary schools to teach students about the dangers of excessive alcohol and drug use through their lovable giraffe mascot, Healthy Harold, who has been a favourite with kids for 30 years.

The aim of Ocsober 2013 is to raise funds to help Life Education and Healthy Harold reach even more Australian school children across the country.

Imagery is available on the Royal Australian Navy Media Library at http://images.navy.gov.au/S20131333.