Local primary school students will have the chance to design the city's next water safety poster as part of a City of Newcastle program that has been saving lives for almost 60 years.
More than 150 Jesmond Public School students were amongst the first participants in this year's Water Safety Education Program, which has been delivered annually by City of Newcastle's lifeguards since 1966.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joins City of Newcastle lifeguards Julian Boag, Dan Collins and Lily Forbes, and vice captains Rocky Stevenson and Vienna Wills at Jesmond Public School for a Water Safety Education session.The free program teaches students vital water safety lessons they're being asked to incorporate into a poster, with the winning design to be displayed across the city's five inland swimming centres.
With close to 280 drowning deaths across Australia every year, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is important to empower kids with the water safety knowledge to keep them safe.
"We are so lucky to have a stunning coastline and lots of swimming spots to enjoy in Newcastle, but it's important to be aware of the risks and what we can do to minimise them," Cr Nelmes said.
"Over the next eight weeks our amazing team of lifeguards and aquatics staff will utilise their extensive skills and experience to educate more than 13,000 students about dangerous water conditions, how to swim safely and what to do if they get into difficult situations.
"This year's poster competition not only gives students a chance to see their artwork displayed at our inland pools, but it is a great way to reinforce the lessons they learn through the Water Safety Education Program and to share them with the wider community."
The school visits form one of City of Newcastle's most significant youth engagement programs and are a key component of the overall approach to water safety.
Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle lifeguards commit more than 700 hours each year to educating and promoting water safety messages across the city, with delivery of the program being a highlight for many.
"Our lifeguards are passionate about engaging students in fun, smart and interactive ways to help prevent aquatic accidents and drownings," Ms Duffy said.
"Encouraging students to tap into their creative side to design a water safety poster is another way we can ensure the next generation understands and appreciates these potentially life-saving lessons."
Students from the school with the winning design will also have the chance to cool off with a fun-filled pool party at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in the lead up to summer.