Children learning vital lifesaving skills on the Swan

16 children have braved chilly conditions to learn vital swimming and lifesaving skills on the Swan River this week.

The free school holiday Swim and Survive on the Swan program has been held daily from 9am to midday at the Riverton Bridge, teaching children skills from Royal Life Saving's Bronze Rescue program.

The event has been held as part of Royal Life Saving Society WA's commitment to ensuring all Western Australian children have the skills to keep themselves and their friends safe while enjoying the many water environments we are blessed with across our state.

The recently released National Drowning Report revealed that inland waterways continue to be the leading location for drowning in Australia, with more than a quarter of the nation’s drowning deaths last financial year happening in rivers, creeks, lakes and dams.

WA has 58 rivers stretching over 9587kms, and these are often enjoyed for aquatic recreation, especially amongst teens and young adults. Many people tend to underestimate the risks that exist at inland waterways, so it is important that everyone has the necessary skills to participate safely at these locations.

Further Swim and Survive on the Swan programs are being held in Term 4, with one starting at 4pm on Thursday 13th of October at the Ascot Kayak Club, and another at 9am on Saturday 15th October at the Garrett Road Bridge in Bayswater.

To take part in these upcoming free programs please complete the form at the link below.