Georges River Council is home to beautiful waterways that can be enjoyed by all. However, our waterways can be unpredictable. It is important to remember when using these places to always be prepared.

• If you are a weak or non-swimmer, you should appreciate the water from a distance.

• Water goers should always wear safety gear, such as life jackets.

• Never enter the water alone.

• Always supervise children.

• Avoid drugs and alcohol around water.

• Check the weather and never swim in a lightning storm.
   

Water Safety in Community Languages

Royal Life Saving Australia produces Visiting Your Local Swimming Pool resources and CPR charts in community languages. These include Arabic, Burmese, Filipino, Nepali, Persian, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Swahili and Vietnamese.
 

Water Safety and Children

Drowning risk for young children peaks in summer, with 37% of all deaths occurring between December and February. The majority (82%) of swimming pool deaths occur when the child is not being directly supervised by an adult. Royal Life Saving Australia's Keep Watch campaign recommends following these steps to keep children safe around water:  

1. Supervise. Actively supervise children around water and stay within arm’s reach.

2. Restrict. Restrict children’s access to water.

3. Teach. Teach children water safety skills.

4. Respond. Learn how to respond in the case of an emergency.

Drowning is the greatest cause of accidental death in children under five in Australia. Each week, on average, one child drowns. The Kids Alive Do the Five community service program educates the public on five important steps to reduce the risk of preschool drowning.

1. Fence the pool.

2. Shut the gate.

3. Teach your kids to swim! It's great!

4. Supervise - watch your mate.

5. Learn how to resuscitate!

 

Water Safety and People with Disability

All people have the right to enjoy the water and to do so safely. This includes people with mobility limitations, cognitive disabilities and sensory disabilities. Royal Life Saving Australia's Disability webpage has further information on the benefits and risks of aquatic activities for people with disability.

International research indicates people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at greater risk of premature death due to drowning compared with the general population. Royal Life Saving Australia has tips on water safety for people with ASD.
 

More Information

• Keep up-to-date with news from Royal Life Saving Australia. 

• Refer to the South East Sydney Water Safety Directory 

• Visit one of Georges River Council's aquatic facilities.