As we get older, our relationship with the water doesn’t change—but the risks we face can. Adults aged 45 and over are among the highest groups impacted by drowning incidents in Western Australia, often due to underlying health conditions, the effects of medications, or overestimating abilities in and around the water.
Make the Right Call is water safety campaign designed to help you enjoy aquatic activities—like boating, fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water—safely and confidently. It’s about recognising risks, making smart choices, and avoiding preventable tragedy.
Every year in WA, too many adults lose their lives in drowning incidents that could have been avoided. Often, the difference between a close call and a tragedy comes down to one thing—the choices you make.
Royal Life Saving WA is urging adults to Make the Right Call, because the water doesn’t care how experienced you are, how confident you feel, or how many times you’ve done it before.
It’s about choosing safety in key moments like:
- Choosing to sit it out if your health, medications or fitness might put you at risk
- Going with a mate—and speaking up if something doesn’t feel right
- Putting a lifejacket on before heading out on the boat or casting a line
- Taking a moment to check the conditions before getting into the water
- Picking a safe, familiar spot to swim
These moments matter.
When you make the right call, you protect more than just yourself. You safeguard your family, your friends, and the people who count on you to come home.
Make the right call.
The Make the Right Call program is proudly supported by the Department of Health WA.
Making the right call is always safer on solid ground.
As Australians, we spend a lot of time by the water - whether it’s a dip with mates, a daily paddle, or a calming drift. But no matter what you are doing, it’s always safer to make the right call on solid ground.
Make the Right Call is a water safety campaign that reminds adults to pause, assess the situation, and make smart choices before getting in. Whether it’s checking the conditions, your health, or your state of mind, that quick check can be the difference between a great day and a tragic one.
Because making the right call here… is always safer than in there.
Water conditions can change quickly – Always check conditions first
Before getting in, check local weather conditions, chat to local and read all safety signage. When you arrive, take a few minutes to check your surroundings – conditions can change quickly. Whether you’re swimming, fishing, or boating, choosing a safe spot can make all the difference between a great day out and a serious emergency.
Conditions in rivers, dams, and coastal areas can shift quickly—even places you’ve swum before. By checking the water first, you give yourself the best chance to enjoy it safely. If something doesn’t look or feel right, it’s okay to walk away.
While the water might look calm, dangers can be hidden beneath the surface. By taking a few extra minutes to check the water, you’re making the right call—before you're in too deep.
Are you good to go?
How you’re feeling matters more than you think. As we get older, our bodies change, and so does how we respond to water risks. If you're unwell, fatigued, taking medication, or simply not feeling 100%, those factors can affect your balance, strength, and judgement in the water.
Before diving in, take a moment to check in with yourself. Be aware of any changes in fitness, medical conditions, or medications that might affect your safety. Chat to your doctor, check if medications impact your activity and speak to lifeguards if you have concerns.
Swimming in supervised areas, like your local aquatic centre, is always a smart choice. And if you’re looking to build confidence, our free Aqua Skills 55+ course is a great way to refresh your water safety skills.
Take a Mate – Keep Each Other Safe
Whatever the activity—boating, swimming, fishing, or even just relaxing—it’s always safer and more enjoyable with someone by your side. A mate can call for help, spot hazards you might miss, or step in when things go wrong.
When you go together, you’re not just doubling the fun—you’re doubling the safety. And if something doesn’t feel right, speak up. A quick conversation can prevent a life-altering incident.
Make the right call, and don’t go it alone.
Get prepared with a lifejacket
We all have that mate who forgets to put safety first—so be the one who speaks up. When you’re out boating or paddling, make the right call—for yourself and your mates.
When it comes to water safety, preparation is everything—and wearing a lifejacket is one of the simplest, smartest things you can do. Modern designs are lightweight and comfortable, so there’s really no excuse not to wear one. Whether you're boating, paddling, or casting a line from the rocks, a lifejacket buys you precious time if something goes wrong. Conditions can change without warning, and even confident swimmers can find themselves in trouble. Don’t just bring it along—wear it.
Because when you’re in the water, it’s already too late to put one on.Recfisthwest Lifejacket Loan ProgramMake A Difference Lifejacket Program
