Water Safety Resources
Learn how to stay safe in and around different waterways
Girt (surrounded) by sea and home to an extensive variety of waterways and aquatic environments both natural and artificial, Australia presents us with countless swimming opportunities that are simply too good to miss! With this vast range of settings however, comes a wide variety of different water hazards and risks, with essential safety rules and advice to follow. Knowing how to be safe around these settings could save a life, prevent injuries and other medical emergencies. Whether you are on a holiday, a family outing, a school excursion or going about your everyday life, you can never be too prepared for an unforeseen water incident as they can occur even in predominantly dry settings.
Together, let's decrease the rate of drowning in Australia!
Did you know? In 2021, 294 people drowned in Australian waterways, a 20% increase on the previous year, according to the Royal Life Saving Society. In addition, a whopping 674 non-fatal drowning incidents were reported, pushing the total drowning figure up to 968. Interestingly, the top three locations for drowning deaths included rivers and creeks, the beach, and ocean and harbour settings, with lakes, dams and swimming pools following.
With the continual increase of both fatal and non-fatal drownings in Australia each year, it remains crucial that children and adults, including parents and carers, are well educated on how to stay safe in and around different water settings.
Home swimming pools
Public swimming pools
Inland Waterways
Equip yourself with vital knowledge on how you can keep yourself and others safe when in and around a range of waterways. Valuable learnings include understanding different types of water safety signage found in Australia, tips and tricks for identifying potential water hazards, and some important rules and advice for each setting. A helpful resource recommended for for both children and parents or carers.
Click below to view or download today!
Learn how to stay safe in different waterways with our Water Safety Information Booklet!
What are the key types of waterways and water settings?
Coastal Waterways
Inland waterways are found all across Australia and include rivers and creeks, lakes, wetlands, dams, reservoirs, waterfalls, waterholes and several other bodies of water. Inland waterways can sometimes have very low water clarity making it difficult to see underwater hazards. Remember to be vigilant as you might not know what you are stepping into!
Public swimming pools are one of our favourite places to practice our skills or enjoy a leisurely swim, however there can be lots of activity here with potential hazards and distractions to be mindful of. Constant adult supervision and confident swimming abilities all play a major role in staying safe at public swimming pools.
As an island, Australia's whole border is a scenic coastline. Coastal waterways include beaches, bays, estuaries and lagoons. The ocean's conditions can fluctuate with tidal changes and weather conditions, so it vital to pay attention to the conditions and check any safety signage around coastal waterways, and "if in doubt, don't swim out".
Home swimming pools are fantastic for swimming practice and to enjoy a relaxed swim with friends and family. Constant adult supervision, the removal of potential water hazards in the back yard, enforcing a no diving rule and limiting access to the swimming pool is important to ensure adequate safety.
If you are interested in delivering the GOswim program at your Swim School, please contact
swim@goswimaustralia.com.au
Proudly supported by Swimming Australia
Latest news and blog publications
The Importance of being water safe in our vast variety of Waterways
Knowing how to stay safe in and around our extensive waterways and learning to swim are vital skills for life. How well do you know how to stay water safe in all aquatic settings other than in a swimming pool? Read more to find out why you and your child should learn how to stay safe in and around water and the life-saving benefits this could have.
Water Safety in and around Home and Public Swimming Pools
How well do you and your child know water safety rules and skills when in and around a home swimming pool or public swimming pool? Read more to learn important water safety tips for both home and public swimming pools so you and others can enjoy swimming whilst staying safe in and around water.
Water Safety in and around Inland Waterways
Swimming and enjoying recreational aquatic activities in or on inland waterways such as dams, lakes and rivers is a commonly enjoyed activity, however there are countless potential water hazards to be aware of when in and around these settings. Read on to learn how to be water safe while enjoying inland waterways.
Water Safety in and around Coastal Waterways
Do you know how to stay safe in and around coastal waterways? As an island, Australia's whole border is a scenic coastline. The ocean's conditions can fluctuate with tidal changes and weather conditions, so it vital to pay attention to any safety signage around coastal waterways, and "if in doubt, don't swim out". Read more to learn important water safety tips for coastal waterways and beaches.
Are you ready to join the fun this winter?
Waterways Safety Week is coming to your GOswim lessons from 12 - 18 June!*
Our GOswim friends have been preparing to take you on a journey to learn important water safety skills and strategies for different waterways including the beach, lakes, rivers and more.
During this week, GOswim lessons will include fun drills and activities to educate students on common water safety hazards in various waterways including the beach, rivers and lakes, equipping them with essential safety strategies and skills for life.
These activities may include:
- Beach and river themed swimming obstacles
- Practice rescue drills
- Swimming between the flags activity
- Swimming out of a rip activity
*Program dates and activities subject to change across GOswim locations. Please speak to your venue GOswim team directly for more information.
