Get registered for Outback Lifesavers '22
Published: 26 Nov 2021 11:02am
The popular Outback Lifesaver program will return to Wagga Wagga early next year and registrations to get involved in this unique opportunity are now open.
After the successful launch of Outback Lifesavers in January this year, Royal Life Saving NSW and Wagga Wagga City Council is pleased to be offering the program for a second year.
The revamped 8-week program 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 NSW’s Lifesaving Participation Coordinator Georgina Ryan 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.
“This is another great opportunity for local youth to learn and get all the benefits of a water safety program designed for inland waterways such as rivers, lakes and dams,” Ms Ryan said.
“It will enable kids to enjoy a lifetime of fun in and around the water with their parents, friends and peers.”
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, and to pass on that knowledge to keep a safer environment.”
Registration is also open for volunteers, parents or community members, who would like to help during the program and can join their child's session.
The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021 showed that 76 (26 per cent) drowning deaths in 2020/21 occurred in river/creek locations and 27 (9 per cent) drowning deaths occurred in lake/dam locations in 2020/21. Rivers and creeks continue to be the location with the largest number of drowning deaths.
Parents and carers can also 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