Penrith residents encouraged to become water safe heroes

Monday, 22 February 2021

Bright, eye-catching wraps decorating four of Penrith City Council’s waste trucks are reminding residents to be vigilant about water safety.

Ripples Leisure Centre has amplified its messaging around general water safety by revealing colourful waste truck signage showing images of children in a pool and the words ‘Become a Water Safe Hero’.

These were designed to promote the water safety message through Ripples’ Learn to Swim Program, which boosts confidence in and around water. It is a reminder that swimming is for everyone and we all play a part in keeping the community safe.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM thanked SUEZ for getting on board with the initiative, adding the positive, proactive messaging to their trucks as they journey across the City.

“Given the recent spate of drownings around the country and particularly in NSW – with three more in the past few weeks - it was important for Council to ramp up our reminders urging our residents to be safe around all bodies of water,” Cr McKeown said.

“Council had to think big and what better way to drive a message home than to have mobile posters out and about in Penrith.

“These waste trucks can travel up to 130km daily around the LGA, so they are a fantastic tool for raising awareness within the community as they can reach many residents, regardless of whether they are on their way to work, travelling to see friends and family, or working remotely and having their kerbside garbage collected.

“I have had a chance to see these posters and I must say they look great and communicate Council and Ripples’ messaging in a fun, friendly way – well done to all involved.”

Whether residents are going for an afternoon dip at Ripples Penrith or St Marys, cooling off at Nepean River or heading to the beach, Council urges the community to remember the main rules for water safety. These are:

• do not swim alone
• be cautious near unfamiliar swimming spots
• look out for signage at public pools and rivers
• swim between the flags at beaches
• never dive in head first
• stay sober in and around water
• wear life jackets when boating
• ensure pools and spas are surrounded by compliant fences
• keep pool gates and fences locked, and
• most importantly, make sure children are always supervised by an adult

Visit ripplesnsw.com.au/learn-to-swim and penrith.city/pools to find out more.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 22 February 2021.