Each wet season across northern Australia, vehicles are swept away and people drown attempting to cross flooded roads and river crossings.

The danger is often underestimated. Floodwaters may appear calm on the surface, but strong currents, washed-out roads, submerged debris and wildlife hazards make crossings extremely risky.

Emergency Services repeatedly rescue motorists who misjudge these dangers, placing both the public and rescuers at risk. Communicating clear flood safety messages is difficult, particularly across communities where English may not be the first language and written materials are less effective.

Educational Animations created a music-driven safety campaign using animation and storytelling to communicate flood risk and behaviour change.

Built around the simple message “If it’s flooded, forget it,” the project used a two-part format:

1. Safety Song
   A catchy song follows two parallel stories: a family caught in floodwaters in their vehicle, and a group of boys out bush, both requiring rescue by Emergency Services. A repeatable chorus reinforces the key message:
   Slow down, turn around and don’t drown.

Music and animation help embed the message in memory and support sharing across communities.

2. Animated Explainer
   The song is followed by an animated explainer that shows why floodwaters are dangerous, including:
   • strong currents beneath the surface
   • washed-out roads
   • hidden debris
   • crocodiles in northern waterways

To support multilingual communication and accessibility, the explainer was produced in English and seven Aboriginal languages — Arrernte, Kunwinjku, Murrinhpatha, Warlpiri and Yolŋu Matha — with both the song and explainer also produced in Kriol.

The project delivered a clear and memorable flood safety message that is culturally accessible and easy to share across communities.

By combining music, animation and multilingual versions, the campaign translates critical public safety information into a format that extends beyond traditional written materials.

The videos were published by the Northern Territory Government across YouTube, radio and community education programs, increasing reach and supporting safer decision-making around flooded roads and waterways.