Community Programs
Surf Life Saving SA believes everyone should have the opportunity to be safe at the beach. Our range of community programs is designed to ensure all community members have the chance to learn about beach and water safety in a way that’s right for them. We offer specially designed programs for multicultural communities and new arrivals, Indigenous communities, as well as our school-based Surf Education program.
Multicultural Program
Welcome to SA Shores
Australia is surrounded by beauty, with close to 12,000 beaches, spanning over 59,736km of coastline. Easy access to our beaches means that spending time at the beach is common and water safety is engrained in our culture. In fact, volunteer Surf Life Savers patrol beaches across the country to ensure that everyone can join in on the fun!
In South Australia, people from multicultural backgrounds are overrepresented in drowning and rescue incidents. Surf Lifesaving SA is committed to beach safety for all community members, and we offer water safety programs specially designed for culturally and linguistically diverse participants. To do this Surf Life Saving South Australia is providing the ‘Welcome to SA Shores’ program where participants will learn vital skills to prepare them for an Australian summer.
Welcome to SA Shores Program Details
Welcome to SA Shores is a six-week program for children, teens, and adults to learn about water safety. Because of the dynamic and complex coastal environment, the first 5 sessions are delivered in a pool setting before heading to the beach for the final session with our Surf Life Savers.
It’s a great way to meet people, get active, and learn more about water safety and surf lifesaving!
Over a series of six sessions, you will spend time in the pool and at the beach to learn about:
Water Safety - water familiarisation, essential swimming skills, rescues, Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs).
Beach hazards - rips, tides, sandbars, aquatic life, the sun.
Surf Life Saving - clubs, patrols, signals.
Suitable for those with minimal or no water experience.
When is the next Welcome to SA Shores?
To be confirmed.
Phone: 8354 6996
Email: community.programs@surflifesavingsa.com.au
Source: Surf Life Saving SA Facebook (www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1201871784092812)
Indigenous Programs
The Aboriginal Surf Sports Program is currently working with local and regional indigenous communities, particularly the Wiltja Residential Program, APY Lands and Yalata Communities, and the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy (SAASTA) school programs.
Through the support of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, it aims to work with communities regarding water safety and, in particular, progress students towards achieving relevant Surf Lifesaving Awards, including the Bronze Medallion, Surf Rescue, CPR and First Aid Certificates, as well as being coached to participate in surf sports competition.
The Wiltja program involves working with keen students from the APY Lands who reside in Adelaide during the school term. The SAASTA program involves approximately 150 students from eight regional and six metropolitan High Schools, including Coober Pedy Area School, Ceduna Area School, Port Lincoln High School, Stuart High School (Whyalla), Port Augusta Secondary School, John Pirie Secondary School (Port Pirie), Maitland Area School, Murray Bridge High School, Fremont-Elizabeth City High School, Salisbury High School, Para West Adult Campus, Le Fevre High School, Roma Mitchell Secondary School and Christies Beach High School.
Surf Education
Surf Education is our surf safety program delivered through schools. They are on-beach sessions facilitated by the Department’s Surf Ed instructors. If you would like to inquire about having a Surf Education program at your school, email Andrew Henry (Andrew.henry728@schools.sa.edu.au) or call 8354 6900.
Community Program Casuals
Surf Life Saving SA hire casuals to fulfil roles including: Instructors in Charge, Instructors, Assistant Instructors and Volunteers.
For more information, please visit our careers section.