Narrogin students learn what it means to Be A Mermate

Royal Life Saving WA attended Narrogin Senior High School's Health & Wellbeing Expo recently, showing students what it means to ‘Be A Mermate’ through a range of fun activities.  

Health Promotion Officer, Tom Scott-Jones, visited the school on the 14th of October to raise awareness about the dangers of mixing alcohol with water and assessing risk-taking behaviour as part of our Youth Water Safety program.

“It is always fantastic to get out into the community, particularly in rural areas, and engage with young people to educate them and help build their capacity around safe choices and looking out for each other around water,” he said.

Students in Years 8 through to 11 were given the opportunity to engage with an interactive prize wheel after learning about youth water safety and had a go at rescuing their friends while wearing beer googles.

It is important that youth understand the dangers present around water when under the influence of alcohol as this is one of the largest factors for drowning amongst people aged 15-25, especially young males, who are overrepresented in drowning statistics.

Royal Life Saving’s Youth Water Safety program aims to address issues like this through campaigns such as ‘Be A Mermate’ so that young people can look out for their peers, take on practical tips and be encouraged to speak up. 

Thanks to funding from the Department of Health, Royal Life Saving is able to share these valuable resources and visit remote parts of WA while engaging young people into the conversation and ultimately working towards a community free from drowning. 

Learn more about how to ‘Be A Mermate' at the link below!