Wagga Wagga’s latest group of Outback Lifesavers graduate

Wagga Wagga City Council and Royal Life Saving NSW partnered for a week-long waterways safety program which has seen the latest group of Outback Lifesavers graduate.

The program teaches participants how to be water-wise and rescue-ready with the end of 2025’s course marking the fifth consecutive year for the successful and popular program.

Council’s Oasis Swim School Team Leader Breanna Wendt said 32 youngsters, aged between six and 12, took part, almost double last year’s number.

Wendt advised “the one-hour sessions were held at the Oasis Aquatics Centre from Monday 20th January to Friday 24th January.

“The program was designed to provide children with greater skills and understanding of safety around water, particularly inland waterways.”

Wendt said it was important to teach children how to swim and survive in rivers, where 25% of all drownings occur.

“All the activities were held in the outdoor pool to simulate the risk of open waterways.

“Safety was paramount throughout the program, and swim teachers and lifeguards ensured the safety and protection of the children."

Royal Life Saving NSW Riverina Manager Verity Smith said the program was designed to be fun for participants.

“It involved games and activities to help children develop their skills and understanding of safety around water,” Smith added.

“We wanted to teach children 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.”

Image. Students at Outback Lifesavers are taught skills and understanding of safety around water, particularly inland waterways, with a variety of devices, including boards.