Tasmanian students urged to ‘Respect the River’

As part of its Respect the River campaign, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia is partnering with local stakeholder groups to drive geographically based drowning action plans which include visiting schools and talking to communities, campers, boat users and recreational water users - advising them on how to stay safe this summer.

With summer fast approaching and warmer weather on the way, 88 students from Tasmanian schools (Bagdad Primary School, and the Campania and Oatlands District High Schools) took part in a day of Water Safety Awareness at the Oatlands Swimming Pool on Friday.

The day focused on the Respect the River Campaign’s key educational messages of raising safety and survival awareness for all communities.

The day, an initiative of Royal Life Saving Tasmania and the Southern Midlands Council, set out to  educate Grade 5 and 6 students from rural areas on how to stay safe in and around inland waterways.

It saw students learn basic resuscitation and rescue techniques for a variety of waterways including rivers, dams and pools while Marine and Safety Tasmania conducted a Safe Boating Course at which students learned the basics of boarding and balancing a dingy while in a ‘safe and controlled’ environment.

Commenting on the day, Royal Life Saving Tasmania Executive Director Paula Robertson stated “the large number of people drowning in our rivers, creeks and streams is alarming.

“In launching the Respect the River campaign, Royal Life Saving aims to raise awareness of the sheer number of people drowning in our rivers every year and the preventable nature of these tragedies.”

“Rivers can be very hazardous environments (where people often) cannot see ice cold water, snags like tree branches or strong currents.

“We are asking people to follow four simple steps to reduce their drowning risk in rivers: wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol around water, never swim alone and learn how to save a life.”

Royal Life Saving Tasmania is also asking students to become ambassadors for Royal Life by sharing knowledge learned on the day with family and friends.

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