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Rethink Risky Behaviour Around Water
Be a Mermate. Look out for your mates. Stay safe around water.

Aquatic activities should be fun, not fatal. Young people aged 15–24 are one of the highest-risk groups for drowning in Western Australia—and many of these incidents are preventable.

At Royal Life Saving WA, we’re working to keep young people safe around water—especially when alcohol, peer pressure, or risky behaviour come into play. Because making smart choices doesn't mean missing out on the fun—it means you and your mates get to go home safe.

Risky behaviours like cliff jumping, boating without lifejackets, swimming under the influence, and overestimating your abilities can all lead to tragedy. You might feel confident in the water — but drowning doesn’t discriminate, and it happens faster than you think.

Your choices affect more than just you. When a young person drowns, the impact ripples through friends, families, and communities. That’s why we’re asking you to Be a Mermate — someone who looks out for their friends, makes smart choices around water, and knows when to speak up if something feels unsafe.

Whether you’re at a party, camping by the river, boating with friends, or just hanging out at the beach, you have the power to protect your mates and save lives.

Be the one who makes it home. Be the one who helps your friends do the same. Be a Mermate.

The Be A Mermate program is proudly supported by the Department of Health WA.

Be A Mermate logo of red love heart with Be A Mermate written across in script font

Drowning deaths in young people (2013-2023)
32
drowning deaths recorded amongst young people in WA
105
young people hospitalised following a non-fatal drowning incident
55%
of drowning occurred at coastal locations
SwimmingFreestyle
Swimming, fishing and boating are the most common activities being undertaken
10%
There were nearly three times more drowning deaths among children aged 1-year, compared to those under a year.

Give risky behaviour a splash in the face.

As a Mermate, your job is to challenge unsafe choices: swimming under the influence, diving into unknown water, or heading out alone. Support your friends, share safety tips, and speak up when something feels dangerous.

It’s time to rethink how we behave around water—because saving a life could start with a conversation.

How to Be A Mermate
Being a Mermate means looking out for your crew whenever you're around water. Whether you're hitting the beach, the river, or your local swimming hole, staying safe isn't just about you—it’s about making sure everyone gets home
4 males who are late teens standing on the edge of blackwell reach on a sunny day looking over the edge into the river deciding if it's safe to jump
Be a Ledge – Keep Your Mates from the Edge
Real legends look out for their mates. Speak up, stop risky behaviour, and help keep everyone safe around water. Your voice could be the reason someone makes it home.
Three young men in singlets and boardshorts standing at the edge of a fast-flowing river, looking toward the water. Overlaid text says “Forecast says: You’re better off dry” with a large turquoise wave graphic, warning against swimming in dangerous conditions.
Stop. Scan. Swim.
Before diving in, stop and scan your surroundings. Know what you're getting into and look for hazards like rocks, currents, and depth changes. Think before you swim—it could save your life.
Three people smiling and relaxing on float mats in a swimming pool. Overlaid text reads “Solo swims are never the go” with stylized red and white wave graphics, promoting the message to swim with others for safety.
Wait for a Mate – Never Swim Alone
Swimming solo is never a safe move. Always swim with a buddy, especially if alcohol is involved. Look after your mates and make sure you all get home safely.
A person performing chest compressions on an unconscious individual during CPR training, with hands interlocked and positioned on the center of the chest.
000 & CPR = YAY! Death = Not Yay
Know what to do in an emergency. Call Triple Zero (000) and learn CPR—it could save your mate’s life. Quick action makes all the difference. Be ready, not regretful.
Learn More!

Don’t Drink and Sink

Alcohol and water don’t mix. Drinking impairs judgement, slows reaction time, and increases the risk of drowning. Stay sober around water and save the drinks for later. Stay sharp, stay alive.

More about the campaign
Three young adults stand side by side outdoors, smiling at the camera. Behind them is a pool and the exterior of a modern building.
Real Stories
Our Youth Ambassadors are passionate young people who share their personal stories to inspire others. By speaking up, they aim to encourage young people to stay safe around water and think twice before mixing alcohol with aquatic activities. If you're ready to use your voice to create change, we’d love to hear from you.
A young woman in a Royal Life Saving polo shirt helps another woman spin a colourful prize wheel at a community event booth, with people and tents visible in the background.
Community Education
From school sessions to summer events, our youth-focused water safety education is all about connection, conversation, and prevention. We’re taking water safety beyond the pool gates—with engaging presentations, promotional campaigns, and free resources for schools and community groups that empower young people to recognise risks, make smart decisions, and look out for their mates.
A group of Royal Life Saving WA volunteers wearing matching navy event shirts and lanyards pose in front of a colourful beach ball display and ocean backdrop during a beach event.
Become a Volunteer
We’re looking for passionate young people to help spread lifesaving messages at events and activations across WA. Our focus is on promoting safe choices around water, especially in social settings where alcohol might be involved. From music festivals and leavers events to youth expos and community days, there are heaps of ways you can get involved.