Surf Life Saving NSW lifeguards head west for Beach to Bush program

Teams of Surf Life Saving NSW lifeguards were dispatched from Dubbo to Deniliquin to teach children from inland towns and cities how to behave on the beach, creeks and lakes.

Port Maquarie and Tacking Point lifeguard Kim Rayner said the statistics show children who live more than 50 kilometres from the beach are more likely to drown.

"They're still taught the same skills as kids living near the beach but they don't have the surf to contend with," she said.

Mrs Rayner and Fingal Beach lifeguard James Worrall taught students at several Central West schools throughout the week, including Calare Public School, Cumnock Public School and Orange Anglican Grammar School.

They also met with the Orange Bush Nippers to provide some tips to the 20-30 ocean lovers from the region who patrol the beaches at Dee Why several times a year.

Mrs Rayner said the biggest mistake families make is seeing flat water as the calmest place to enter the surf beach.

"They find themselves walking straight into a rip," she said.

"The best piece of advice is 'swim between the flags' and if you're ever in trouble put your hand up."