Outback Lifesavers: Get wet, have fun, learn lots!
Published: 16 Dec 2021 8:35am
Young community members keen to learn more about water safety and lifesaving skills can now register for the Outback Lifesaver program set to start in Wagga Wagga in January next year.
The popular program returns to the city in 2022 after a successful pilot was launched in partnership with Royal Life Saving NSW and Wagga Wagga City Council earlier this year.
The success of the pilot program was the driver to bring Outback Lifesavers back to the city for a second season with a revamped 8-week program to be run at Wagga Wagga Beach and Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre.
It will run each Sunday, starting 23 January 2022, for youth aged U8 - U13, providing an opportunity for youngsters to develop their lifesaving skills and understanding of safety around water, particularly inland waterways.
Royal Life Saving Society NSW’s Riverina Regional Manager Michael Dasey said the Outback Lifesaver program will assist with addressing key areas of aquatic and community water safety knowledge in a safe, fun and active environment.
“Registrations are now open and we’re urging parents to get their kids involved in this unique opportunity and sign-up now to secure a place,” Mr Dasey said.
“There is also an opportunity for parents, carers and community members to get involved and register as volunteers to assist with the program. Community support is critical for the program’s success and will give parents the opportunity to see first-hand how valuable water safety education is for their children.
“This is another great opportunity for local youth to learn vital skills and get all the benefits of a water safety program designed for inland waterways such as rivers, lakes and dams.”
Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre’s Aquatics Supervisor Taileigh King said education about water safety and learning to respect the river at a young age provided important skills which would stay with the participants for life.
“Learning those basic skills now will help to prepare them when they’re in situations around the water with their family and friends,” Ms King said.
“We aim to provide them with the knowledge to identify any risks and to be young leaders when swimming and enjoying water activities with their friends to pass on that knowledge and to keep a safer environment.”
Parents and carers can use the NSW Active Kids Vouchers to sign up to Outback Lifesavers.
Find more information and register at drowningprevention.org.au/outbacklifesaver
Questions can be emailed to RLSNSW at lifesavers@royalnsw.com.au