19 August 2025
Water safety messages make a splash at Karratha’s FeNaClNG Festival
Royal Life Saving WA’s Health Promotion team joined the fun at Karratha’s 53rd FeNaClNG Festival, amid food stalls, live entertainment and colourful community celebrations!
In August, Health Promotion Officers Aariane Agnes and Tneale Maher travelled north from Perth on a regional tour to connect with locals and share vital water safety messages. Supported by the WA Department of Health, the pair used the festival to speak with people of all ages, promoting Royal Life Saving WA’s Old4New, Keep Watch, Be a Mermate, and Make the Right Call programs.
For Aariane, it was more than just a work trip. Growing up in Karratha, she knows exactly how much this weekend means in the community. “In a town where so many people are boaters, fishers, campers, and water lovers, I felt it was really important for Royal Life Saving Society WA to be here, sharing vital water safety messages where they matter most,” she shared.
“Having the opportunity to travel to Karratha and be part of the FeNaClNG Festival was incredibly special.”
Across the two days, the team engage with more than 700 locals. Fishers and boaters traded in old or damaged lifejackets through Old4New, families picked up tips for staying safe around the water, and young people learnt how to Be a Mermate by looking out for each other. Everyone also had the chance to spin the Mermate prize wheel for a chance to test their knowledge and pick up free goodies.
Community outreach around water safety is vital in regional WA. National drowning statistics show higher drowning rates in regional and remote communities compared to major cities, especially children aged 5 to 14 years and people in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
Attending the FeNaClNG Festival gave Aariane and Tneale the chance to meet people face-to-face, build new connections and bring water safety into everyday conversations. The weekend was a huge success and boosted community knowledge to help ensure Karratha’s residents’ love of the water is enjoyed safely and responsibly.
Want to keep yourself and your loved ones safe around water? Explore Royal Life Saving WA’s range of water safety campaigns and resources.
