Students Channel Creativity to Promote Water Safety in Newcastle

Local primary school students in Newcastle are being given a unique opportunity to contribute to community safety through the City of Newcastle’s Water Safety Education Program. This initiative, which has been a cornerstone of the city’s public safety efforts since 1966, involves over 13,000 students annually, providing vital education on water safety.

More than 150 students from Jesmond Public School are among the first participants this year, tasked with creating water safety posters that highlight critical lessons from the program. These lessons cover recognising dangerous water conditions, safe swimming practices, and emergency responses. The winning poster designs will be prominently displayed across Newcastle’s five inland swimming centres, serving as a visual reminder of these life-saving tips​.

The program’s longevity and success are attributed to the dedicated efforts of Newcastle’s lifeguards, who collectively commit over 700 hours each year to educating the city’s youth. This year’s poster competition not only engages students creatively but also reinforces the critical water safety lessons they learn.

With approximately 280 drowning incidents occurring annually in Australia, the initiative aims to instill a strong foundation of water safety awareness among young people. As Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes noted, understanding and mitigating water-related risks is crucial, especially in a city blessed with numerous swimming spots.

The initiative also includes a special incentive for the students—those from the school with the winning design will enjoy a celebratory pool party at the Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre, just in time for the summer season​​.