The Australian Lifeguard Service and Surf Life Saving NSW are partnering with TAFE NSW to deliver important beach safety programs to migrant students throughout the state’s north.
Over the summer the program will actively engage with over 1,000 migrant students currently studying at TAFE campuses between Tweed Heads and Newcastle. The program is kicking off in Coffs Harbour over the next two weeks, an area which unfortunately experienced a number of tragic drownings last summer.
The aim of the program is to provide migrant students with the skills and knowledge to keep them safe around water. They will learn to assess beach conditions, swim where it’s safe and be encouraged to seek advice from Lifeguards and Lifesavers to understand the dangers associated with swimming and living near the ocean.
The program participants so far are from a variety of nationalities and ethnic groups, including Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, Italian and Sudanese.
Ruben Roxburgh is the Education Coordinator for the Australian Lifeguard Service and says the partnership with TAFE NSW is an important one.
“The main message we are aiming to pass on to migrant students through this program is to always swim between the flags,” said Ruben.
“If we can identify and encourage the students who are not comfortable or familiar with the beach and surf environment to seek out patrolled locations we can actively engage in creating safer coastal communities so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer.”
The Beach Safety Awareness Program also provides non-accredited practical training that covers basic First Aid and CPR for first responders in an emergency.
“The importance of water safety needs to be reinforced with everyone and particularly migrant communities. We commend TAFE NSW for encouraging their Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students to take part in this fantastic opportunity to learn vital beach safety skills that can save lives,” said Ruben.
The beach safety programs are being hosted by Surf Life Saving Clubs and include theory and practical components under the supervision of Lifeguards.
November Programs
- 19 & 20 November Coffs Harbour
- 26 & 27 November Coffs Harbour
Saturday 16 November 2019