As the weather warms up, Wagga Wagga City Council is reminding residents and visitors to always be careful and stay safe around water.
It is important that all people, regardless of age, background, abilities and familiarity with the water, practise water safety throughout the summer.
All waterways pose a constant risk, including home and public swimming pools, lakes, creeks, dams and rivers.
Council's Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton emphasises the need for all community members to take care around water.
"This is our annual message to the community, reminding them that while we want them to enjoy swimming and boating during the summer, we also want them to remain safe," Mr Creighton said.
"Water safety is a serious matter, and everyone needs to exercise caution at all times, regardless of how confident they feel around the water.
"In particular, we are reminding everyone of the risks when swimming or boating at the Murrumbidgee River.
"The river is unpredictable, with fast currents, cold water and underwater debris, all of which can create dangerous situations within seconds."
General water safety tips:
- Learn to swim
- Teach children how to swim
- Never swim alone
- Avoid drugs and alcohol around water
- Learn lifesaving skills
- Adults should actively supervise children around water at all times.
Safety tips around natural waterways, i.e. rivers, dams, creeks:
- Check the conditions before entering the water
- Always enter the water slowly, feet first
- Take care on uneven or slippery water edges
- Beware of submerged objects such as trees, branches, rocks and rubbish
- Remember the river can change hourly
- Wear a lifejacket
- Never enter flood waters
