Community in Focus: Barooga Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Sobering statistics released by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Australia in August revealed more than one third (34%) of drowning deaths in the past year occurred in inland waterways.

The National Drowning Report 2025 found inland waterways (rivers, lakes and dams) accounted for 122 deaths, including 99 in rivers, where hidden currents, steep drop-offs and flooding are common hazards. 

The study also shows that drowning rates nearly tripled in regional and remote areas compared to those in major cities.

A program taking place on the banks of the Murray River at Barooga/Cobram, is seeking to reverse these disturbing statistics by teaching children about safety around open waterways.

Called Bush Nippers, this program has a focus on children 5-13 years, and is coordinated by the Barooga Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC).

“Living in an area where rivers, dams and irrigation channels are part of our everyday lives, water safety is a necessary skill for our children,"

The Bush Nippers program was developed by Life Saving Victoria in response to a government emphasis on swimming and water safety, and aims to extend the reach beyond the traditional coastal areas.

“It provides a unique educational experience, fostering lifesaving and water safety skills tailored to open water environments, including rivers,” Ms Bourke explained.

“It is structured according to the ages and abilities of participants and employs a progressive approach, teaching essential water safety and lifesaving skills through enjoyable and interactive activities.”

The upcoming 2026 Bush Nippers’ program will be its fourth year under coordination from Barooga ARC. With previous numbers sitting at the 130 mark, organisers are aiming to double participation to around  270 children.

“We have found that participants and their families love the program and the benefits it provides,” Ms Bourke said.

“We receive excellent feedback each year, which encourages us to continue the growth of Bush Nippers.”

In keeping with the family theme, parents and guardians are encouraged to support the program by helping out with various tasks including set-up and pack-up of equipment, and moving it between activities.

While practical water and lifesaving skills are central to the program, there is also an education component which teaches participants to respect the river environment and its Indigenous culture.

There is also a strong focus on staying safe in the river and, importantly, strategies for responding in an emergency. The concepts of teamwork and accountability are also highlighted.

Activities are based around a range of themes including:

• Introduction to lifesaving
• Be aware and be prepared
• Everyday life saver
• Survival strategies
• Rescue strategies.

In addition there are the ever-popular body board activities, in which children learn key skills needed to stay safe, including use of safety equipment, how to paddle effectively and strategies for overcoming potential difficulties if unexpected wave activity is experienced in a channel.

Registrations for the 2026 Barooga ARC Bush Nippers are now open, with the program to be held January from 14-16, and January 21-23. To register, visit baroogaarc.com.au/bushnipper

Ms Bourke, who was the team leader for the 2025 Bush Nippers, has seen first-hand its value, and the effective way the program educates its young participants.

"Bush Nippers is such a great way for kids to learn the importance of safety around open water ways and knowing how to keep themselves safe," she said.

"It is a fun filled environment that offers fun yet educational activities.

“The drowning statistics for inland regions are of great concern, so as a community we need to develop and grow any programs that can have a positive impact. I have seen, from personal experience, the benefits of Bush Nippers.

“We are looking forward to this summer’s program, and hope to further increase our participant numbers.

"I encourage parents to register their children and ensure they have the opportunity to learn water lifesaving skills; this is just as important for those living near our rivers as it is for those who live by the coast.”

Thompson’s Beach, which is located on the eastern edge of Cobram and just a couple of minutes’ drive from Barooga, is the ideal venue for Bush Nippers. The popular recreation location is the largest inland beach in the Southern Hemisphere, in a beautiful redgum setting that delivers a unique river beach experience.

But the Murray River, with its varying flows and depths, is a dangerous waterway for anyone unaware of inland river vagaries, which makes education programs like Bush Nippers all the more important.

Bush Nippers is just one of many initiatives of Barooga ARC, which has been part of its community for nearly 35 years, proudly standing by its motto of ‘A Place For Everyone’.

The centre features a 25 metre indoor heated swimming pool, a spa, and a toddler pool, all of which are well utilised. The pool is home to swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and rehabilitation and recovery sessions.

In addition, there is a fully equipped gym with a variety of group fitness classes held Monday to Friday, a basketball and netball court and a rejuvenating spa. It also has creche facilities and a diverse range of group fitness classes for members.

Barooga ARC, run under the banner of Sporties Barooga and with support from Berrigan and Moira Shires, is a valuable asset to its Murray River community.

So is the Bush Nippers’ program, which plays its role in keeping young community members safe in this river environment.