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. Young people aged 15–24 are at serious risk of drowning in Western Australia, often because of risky behaviour, alcohol, or not knowing the conditions. But drowning is preventable. That’s where you come in.

Be a Mermate by making smart choices, speaking up, and always having your mates’ backs. Here's how.

Be a Ledge, Keep Your Mates from the Edge

Being a legend isn’t about taking wild risks—it’s about looking after your mates and making sure everyone gets home safely.

Cliff jumping, rooftop dives, and other extreme stunts might seem like fun in the moment, but they’re often the cause of serious injuries or drowning.

Real mates look out for each other. If something feels off or unsafe, speak up. Encourage your crew to think twice before they leap and help create a culture where risky behaviour isn’t the norm. Be the voice of reason. Be a ledge.

Stop. Scan. Swim.

Before you take the plunge, take a pause. Stopping to scan your environment could save your life or someone else’s. Check for strong currents, obstacles under the surface, slippery rocks, or signs warning of danger.

Whether you’re at the beach, river, or a waterfall, every aquatic setting comes with its own risks. Smart swimmers know to stop, scan the area, assess the risks—and then swim if it’s safe.

Don’t dive into danger. Respect the water.

Don’t Drink and Sink

It might sound harsh, but the truth is simple: alcohol and water are a deadly mix. Whether you're swimming at the beach, boating on a river, or chilling by the pool, mixing alcohol with aquatic activities puts you and your mates at serious risk.

Alcohol slows your reflexes, affects your balance, clouds your judgement, and reduces your ability to stay afloat or help someone else. That quick decision to jump in after a few drinks could cost you your life.

Don’t let a fun day turn fatal. If you’re heading out for a swim, paddle, or dive, save the drinks for when you're safely back on dry land. Nominate a designated sober mate, keep an eye on each other, and speak up if someone’s about to make a risky move.

Stay sharp. Stay in control. Stay alive

Wait for a Mate – Never Swim Alone

Water is unpredictable, and accidents happen fast. That’s why you should never swim alone, especially after drinking or at unfamiliar locations.

Swimming with a mate means there’s someone there to help if something goes wrong, or to call for help if you need it. Whether you're at the beach, the river, or a backyard pool, having someone with you can literally be the difference between life and death.

Stay safe, not solo. Always wait for a mate.

000 & CPR = YAY! Death = Not Yay

When someone’s drowning or unresponsive, every second counts. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately and don’t wait to see if things improve. While you wait for help, having the skills to perform CPR or basic first aid can be life saving.

If you’re often around water, knowing CPR is a must—it could be your mate, sibling, or someone you love who needs it. Learn what to do in an emergency so you can respond with confidence, not panic.