Building Safer Beaches
Since January 2007 West Beach SLSC has been working in partnership with Surf Life Saving S.A to help reduce beach fatalities and injuries among the state’s growing migrant and refugee population. The On the Same Wave program focus is to prevent drownings within the multicultural communities by saving lives through awareness, education, engagement and empowerment with the final goal being community members patrolling the beach.
Many previous program members are now filling roles and being recognised within their Community Groups as Surf Life Saving Ambassadors, actively engaging to ensure that community expectations are met, and that the ties to Surf Life Saving remain strong, whilst providing potentially lifesaving surf safety education in their primary language.
Commitment That Endures
Our programs’ impact on the community has evolved over the past 18 years; however, the underlying commitment of trust, support, and respect has enabled our reach to expand and our retention to increase.
It continues to be a part of West Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s (WBSLSC) commitment to keeping our beaches safe.
Our Purpose
Inclusivity
To create inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in surf lifesaving.
Confidence
To promote confidence, skill development, and water safety awareness in a supportive setting.
Belonging
To build social connections and community belonging for families and participants.
Pool to Beach Program
The six day program delivered annually at iSwim @ Immanuel and at West Beach Surf Lifesaving Club is a free water safety program tailored for new migrants and refugees to learn the necessary skills and knowledge to keep themselves and others safe in and around water.
Participants aged five years and up receive free 5 x 45-minute classes in the pool and 1 x 3 hours at the beach. The program is staffed by qualified and passionate iSwim teachers and West Beach volunteers.
The success and sustainability of the program stem from an ongoing commitment to provide the necessary funds to sustain the program even when external funding is not available. This commitment is genuine and felt by participants and communities who truly feel seen and cared for, giving them a sense of belonging and achievement. Having a pathway is crucial to ensure ongoing education and practical training that enhances skills, which can be shared and transferred into communities.
On the Same Wave program (OTSW)
The OTSW programs is a pathway that runs for 4 terms a year at iSwim @ Immanuel with beach programs available during the summer months at West Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Beach days are designed specifically with communities and organisations to deliver fun and engaging water safety skills, awareness and education.
To find out more information, contact Peter Taylor 0419 819 360 or click the button below.
