Registrations are now open for Outback Lifesavers 2026, the popular water safety program for young people aged 6-12 years.
The program is a partnership between Wagga Wagga City Council and Royal Life Saving NSW and has been developed to provide young people living in regional areas water safety and lifesaving skills around inland waterways and swimming pools.
Outback Lifesavers will be held at Oasis Aquatic Centre from Monday 19 January – Friday 23 January 2026 with one-hour sessions held each morning between 9am and 10am.
Manager Wagga Leisure Marc Geppert said Outback Lifesavers is a way of ensuring local young people are equipped with survival skills around the water.
"The program is designed to be fun for the participants, while teaching skills and understanding of safety around water," Mr Geppert said.
"All activities will be held in the outdoor pool and are facilitated by swim teachers and lifeguards to ensure the safety and protection of children in the program."
Royal Life Saving NSW Riverina Regional Manager Verity Smith said Outback Lifesavers is all about active fun.
"The program uses games and activities to help children develop their skills and understanding of safety around water, whether this be at their local pool or swimming in inland waterways," Ms Smith said.
"We want participants of Outback Lifesavers to be able to identity dangers and to know what to do in an emergency situation when around the water.
"We also want them to be able to pass on that knowledge to their friends and family so we can build a future generation of community lifesavers."
Prior to commencing, each participant will be assessed on their swimming skills and placed into groups according to their ability.
This approach ensures the program accommodates various skill levels while making sure each participant feels comfortable and supported.
Outback Lifesavers will be held Monday 19 January – Friday 23 January 2026 between 9am – 10am.
