In July 2005 the Victorian Government, Life Saving Victoria, along with partner agencies in the Play It Safe by the Water campaign developed a community partnership with the Kangaroos, to address key water safety issues in Victoria.

The aim of this community partnership was to extend the current water safety campaign through the cooler months of the year and deliver key water safety messages focusing on the male risk-taker but not at the exclusion of the general community as a whole.

Now in 2007, the Kangaroos and Life Saving Victoria are pleased to announce an expansion of the program, which is set to greatly expand the scope of the already strong relationship.  This new expansion consists of two elements – the coach’s partnership and an ambassadorial program. 

The coach’s partnership expands the usage of the Play It Safe by the Water and Life Saving Victoria logos on the lapels of both the polos and track jackets during all matches as well as training sessions, press conferences and appearances. 

Prominent signage of the Coaches and Statisticians Boxes at all matches, including front window signage and computer signage will further reinforce the relationship. The logos will also appear on the Coaching Magnetic Boards at all matches.

“It’s great to have Life Saving Victoria on board, we think we can have a really positive effect on the community through this partnership,” coach Dean Laidley said.

The other core element of the partnership is the expansion of the Ambassadorial Program involving Indigenous Kangaroos Players.  These players will become the face of the Swim Safe Roos and Life Saving Victoria partnership. 

These players will form the nucleus in support of the Indigenous Water Safety Program being coordinated through Life Saving Victoria to build a water safety presence within the indigenous communities across Victoria.

Daniel Wells, Eddie Sansbury, Djaran Whyman, Lindsay Thomas and Matt Campbell along with Dean and his team will be working hard to reinforce the relationship as well as continuing to focus on the young male risk taker.

“We are looking forward to spreading the water safety message, we think we can have a great impact in the indigenous community in Victoria,” Wells said.

The Roos are proud to continue their relationship with Life Saving Victoria and the Play It Safe by the Water campaign and want to remind you when around water to “Play It Safe by the water – always take your mates”.