On Country water safety lessons at Warmun

Children from Warmun recently swapped the classroom for the creek to learn lifesaving skills in and around local waterways.  

Held in April 2025, this inland water safety session at Turkey Creek in far north-east WA gave 20 children and 9 adults the chance to learn how to assess their environment before getting close to the water, including how to spot uneven ground, submerged rocks, tree roots and snake holes. 

Guided by Royal Life Saving WA’s Deb Gill, they practiced floating in flowing water to better understand how currents move, and how to protect themselves by keeping their feet first and heads up. The program also introduced basic rescue techniques using lifejackets, rope throws and pool noodles, along with creative substitutes such as towels, t-shirts, tree branches and esky lids, all items that might be on hand in a remote setting.   

The risks posed by snakes, particularly pythons in the area, were also discussed, along with strategies to stay safe around creek beds and riverbanks.  

The session built on a previous inland water safety program held in Warmun in late 2024, which involved 16 kids and took place across Turkey Creek, Wilson River and Bow River. 

The local Ngalangangpum School shared their thoughts after the recent experience: “Students enjoyed on Country learning down at the creek with Deb from Royal Life Saving WA. It was wonderful to see students practicing these water safety and survival skills.” 

These programs are crucial in addressing the rates of drowning at inland waterways, particularly in regional areas. In 2022–23, 16% of drowning deaths involving school-aged children in WA occurred in rivers, creeks and similar inland locations. 

This program has been delivered as part of the Inland Communities Water Safety Program with the support of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia and the Australian Government.