Outback Lifesavers program returns to the Oasis Aquatic Centre

The Outback Lifesavers program returns to the Oasis Aquatic Centre in January 2025. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.

Registrations for the popular youth Outback Lifesavers program have officially opened for 2025.

Returning to the region for the fifth year, the program aims to provide Wagga’s young people with the tools and skills needed to swim comfortably in all types of water environments.

It will be held at Oasis Aquatic Centre from Monday 20 January to Friday 24 January 2025, with one-hour sessions held each weekday morning between 9 and 10 am.

Council’s Oasis aquatics supervisor Sonya Dalgliesh said the program was a partnership between Wagga Wagga City Council and Royal Life Saving NSW.

“It’s designed to provide children with greater skills and understanding of safety around water, particularly inland waterways – plus it’s a whole lot of fun!” Ms Dalgliesh said.

“All the activities will be held in the outdoor pool to simulate the risk of open waterways, and swim teachers and lifeguards facilitate them to ensure the safety and protection of children in the program. Safety is paramount.

“The importance of teaching children to swim and survive in rivers is highlighted in the National Drowning Report 2024, which indicates 25 per cent of all drownings occur in rivers.

“It’s essential we teach our local kids how to have fun in the local waterways and have the skills to rescue and identify risk.”

Oasis manager Marc Geppert said 40 per cent of kids leaving primary school did not meet the minimum skills required to be able to swim independently.

“This is obviously a concern for us here at the Oasis Aquatic Centre,” he said.

“The Outback Lifesavers program is designed to alleviate some of those concerns. It’s mainly about awareness around water safety, especially being based in a rural area like Wagga Wagga, we have many places like the river, inland dams, lakes, and backyard swimming pools as well.”

Royal Life Saving NSW Riverina manager Verity Smith is encouraging everyone who can come to take up the opportunity to learn to be safe in water in a fun environment.

“It involves games and activities to help children develop their skills and understanding of safety around water, whether this be swimming at their local pool, or in an inland waterway such as rivers, lakes and dams,” Ms Smith said.

“We want participants to be able to identify any dangers when swimming with friends, and to pass on that knowledge to build a future generation of community lifesavers.”

Before the teaching and activities begin, each participant will be assessed on their swimming skills and placed into groups according to their ability. This approach ensures the program accommodates various skill levels while making sure each participant feels comfortable and supported.

“We want the young members of our community to enjoy a safety-first summer,” Ms Smith said.

“With that in mind, we’re asking all residents and visitors to be vigilant, be aware and be smart about the decisions they make around water this summer.

“Don’t go swimming alone, don’t underestimate the risks, understand your limitations and always encourage others to follow safe practices in order to remain safe around the water.”

For more information about Outback Lifesavers 2025 and to register, visit the Oasis website.