Wagga Wagga City Council's Recreation Coordinator Joshua Walsh encourages community members to enjoy the city's wonderful water resources – from the magnificent Murrumbidgee to the Oasis Aquatic Centre.
"But it's important people using these resources also take care around water, particularly at the river," Mr Walsh said.
"The waters of the Murrumbidgee can be cold and the current fast, and there might be many hidden dangers like submerged branches just below the surface."
Mr Walsh said our local river poses a risk no matter how familiar with it you think you are.
"Royal Life Saving Society research shows that 40 per cent of those who drown in an inland waterway were within 20km of their home.
"We want residents to enjoy the river and all our other recreation sites as the weather gets warmer, but be prepared and listen to advice and warnings."
Safety tips around water:
- check conditions before entering
- enter slowly, feet first
- take care around crumbling riverbeds and slippery dam edges
- avoid underwater obstacles such as rocks, branches and rubbish
- take care when walking on unstable or slippery riverbeds
- avoid using alcohol or drugs around water
- wear a lifejacket when using watercraft
- never swim alone.
