North Curl Curl SLSC is doing its part in educating at risk communities in surf safety, after successfully running a training program in conjunction with Blacktown City Football Club.
Sixty boys from Sydney’s west travelled from the other side of the city to the Northern beaches on 19 November to participate in the program, which aimed to improve surf safety awareness and education in young males.
Data from the 2022 Surf Life Saving NSW Coastal Safety Report indicates that 87% of all drowning deaths are male. Those who live in communities far from the ocean are considered more at risk than those living in coastal locations.
Many of the participants had never been to the beach, and the program walked them through how to paddle on a board, how to identify a rip, and even exposed them to common surf sports events like beach sprints.
“It doesn’t matter how good you are, the surf can put you in your place,” North Curl Curl SLSC member, Mike Girven said.
North Curl Curl hopes the program is the first of many the club can host focussed on surf safety and awareness following the huge success of the day with Blacktown City.
PICTURE: Emma Leslie Photography
Wednesday 23 November 2022