Surf Life Saving NSW’s desire to expand the reach of its top-class training and educational initiatives will grow stronger this month with the beginning of the second half of Phase 1 of a Lifeguard Training, Community Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Education Program in conjunction with the Korean Lifesaving Association (KLA).
Supported by grant funding from the Australia-Korea Foundation and the Federal Government, this series of vital lifesaving education and skills training sessions is being delivered in both English and Korean and has contributed to the development of new skills and employment pathways in aquatic safety, lifesaving, physical education, and tourism, while adhering to COVID-19 requirements.
To date, bilingual program resources have been developed, and seven online (videoconferencing) interactive training and education workshops have been delivered successfully to aquatic industry personnel and the general community across South Korea.
Surf Life Saving NSW Program Coordinator, Steve Allan said that the program has effectively addressed many of the key outcomes and objectives that the funding required, including increased public awareness, partnership development and engagement.
“One of our aims is to promote Australia as a leader in aquatic safety through the development of long term, sustainable relationships with our in-country partner the Korean Lifesaving Association (KLA),” he said.
“This has been very successful so far with ongoing positive feedback being received from the KLA, attendees, translators, teachers and university principals.
“The program has already delivered measurable results to contribute to increased awareness of, and engagement in, the Australia-Korea relationship by strengthening and further developing ongoing working relationships.
“New networking opportunities have been created with the South Korean community, promoting resilience, diversity, participation, and strong, innovative leaders. These new working relationships have been established with aquatic industry organisations, numerous universities and the public.”
The second half of Phase 1, being CPR Awareness & Drowning Prevention, is scheduled to be delivered this month.
Phase 2 of the program – Coastal Safety Risk Assessment and Management – commenced in May this year.
Wednesday 8 September 2021