The calls come as the annual statewide campaign ‘Be Water Safe, Not Sorry’ was recently launched by the state government, Surf Life Saving NSW and Marine Rescue NSW in response to drownings during summer.

The state campaign lists the Murrumbidgee River as one drowning ‘black spot’ that will advertise the campaign.

In Wagga, the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2018 shows that the city accounted for nearly 5 per cent of deaths in rivers, creeks and streams across NSW.

SES local controller Daniel Mahoney said people needed to be wary of the changing nature of waterways.

“As well, know your limitations and abilities,” Mr Mahoney said.

“Always swim in a pair or with a group and let people know where you are.”

Mr Mahoney also urged residents to not swim while intoxicated.

“People may enjoy drinking moderately but they should never swim while intoxicated,” he said.

Last summer, 36 people fatally drowned and seven people tragically lost their lives across NSW’s waterways between Christmas 2017 and January 2, 2018.

“Too many people lose their life each year at the beach, on rock platforms, in backyard swimming pools, and in rivers, lakes and streams,” A Water Safety NSW statement reads.

“Each drowning incident shatters communities and families, and deeply affects our emergency services personnel and professional and volunteer life savers who respond to these tragedies.”

On average during the past 10 years, 35 people have drowned in NSW every summer and others have suffered non-fatal drowning incidents often leading to catastrophic injuries. 

Wagga resident Jessica Prowse, 25, said learning to swim early in life helps.

“We’ve always been swimming in the river since we were kids,” Ms Prowse said.

“So we’ve learnt not to go out too far or get caught in the current and don’t go near the willows.

“We just relax in the shallow.”

The longtime resident also works at Wagga Base Hospital’s emergency department and she said that position helped her.

“I see people who do have near drownings so you learn through them to not go out too far and get caught out,” she said.

Wagga’s swimming club president Paul Gianniotis said the skill was a crucial one in anyone’s life.

“It’s an essential life skill,” Mr Gianniotis said.

“While most of our swimmers at the club are beyond the learn-to-swim stage, they have a skill  they can use in rivers, pools and other waterways.”

NSW Police have also urged residents to adhere to safety messages this festive season to avoid tragedies.

“Don’t be fooled into thinking our inland waterways are any less treacherous,” Minister for Police and Emergency Services Tony Grant said.

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