The latest group of Outback Lifesavers have graduated from their week-long waterways safety program.
Wagga Wagga City Council and Royal Life Saving NSW partnered for the program teaching participants how to be water-wise and rescue-ready.
The end of 2025's course marks the fifth consecutive year for the successful and popular program.
Council's Oasis Swim School Team Leader Breanna Wendt said 32 youngsters, aged between 6 and 12, took part, almost double last year's number.
"The one-hour sessions were held at the Oasis Aquatics Centre from Monday 20 January to Friday 24 January," Ms Wendt said.
"The program was designed to provide children with greater skills and understanding of safety around water, particularly inland waterways."
Ms Wendt said it was important to teach children how to swim and survive in rivers, where 25 per cent of all drownings occur.
"All the activities were held in the outdoor pool to simulate the risk of open waterways.
"Safety was paramount throughout the program, and swim teachers and lifeguards ensured the safety and protection of the children."
Royal Life Saving NSW Riverina Manager Verity Smith said the program was designed to be fun for participants.
"It involved games and activities to help children develop their skills and understanding of safety around water," Ms Smith said.
"We wanted to teach children to be able to identify any dangers when swimming with friends, and to pass on that knowledge to build a future generation of community lifesavers."
