Water safety & swim programs | Current Students

Your gateway to water safety at �ʹڲ�Ʊ

Whether you're new to swimming, a casual beachgoer, or an experienced swimmer, the �ʹڲ�Ʊ Water Safety Hub is your go-to destination for tips, resources, and programs to stay safe in aquatic environments.

Discover our award-winning initiatives and join a community committed to water safety.

Explore our programs

�ʹڲ�Ʊ Health Promotion Unit runs a range of programs to help students stay safe in the water. Whether you’re walking the coast, learning to swim, or building beach confidence, we’ve got something for you.

Learn to Swim Program

Participate in 8x one-hour sessions with a qualified instructor. Improve your swimming skills, meet new friends, and gain water safety knowledge.

Beach Ocean Safe Program

Gain beach confidence and learn vital surf safety skills in this 4-week program designed for all experience levels.

Swimming Safe Grant

Receive 6 months of free-swimming lessons and training to become a swim instructor, surf lifesaver, or water safety ambassador.

Learn more about our waterways

Over 100 people drown on Australian beaches annually, rip currents and surf conditions are key hazards. Most victims are young males.
Stay Safe:

Swim between the red and yellow flags

Avoid unpatrolled beaches

Read safety signs

Never swim alone or under the influence

Call for help if someone is in trouble

Resources:
Inland waterways are the deadliest drowning locations. Most victims are locals, often underestimating risks like currents and submerged hazards.
Stay Safe:

Tell someone your plans

Bring a phone in a waterproof pouch

Don’t swim alone or after drinking

Wear a lifejacket and supervise children

Stay CPR trained

Resources

For more information on river and lake safety, visit:
Alcohol is a leading cause of drowning in Australia, contributing to nearly half of all fatal incidents. It impairs judgment, coordination, and swimming ability, even at low levels.
Stay Safe:

Avoid alcohol before swimming or boating

Never re-enter water after drinking

Supervise children and avoid alcohol if you're in charge

Follow NHMRC alcohol guidelines

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For further information, visit:
Rocky areas are high-risk due to slippery surfaces and unpredictable waves. Activities like rock fishing and risky selfies often lead to tragedy.
Stay Safe:

Wear a lifejacket and non-slip shoes

Check surf conditions

Avoid dangerous edges and jumping from rocks

Don’t visit during surf warnings

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For more information on coastal rock safety, visit:
Boating is the second leading activity before drowning in Australia. Risk factors include no lifejackets, bad weather, and inexperience.
Stay Safe:

Wear a lifejacket

Avoid alcohol

Check the weather

Tell someone where you’re going

Maintain your vessel and obey signs

Resources

For more on boating and watercraft safety, visit:

Resources

Ready to take It further?

Interested in taking your swimming further? Explore more advanced opportunities:

Want to find out more about swimming lessons, recreational swimming or competitive swimming, visit the �ʹڲ�Ʊ FAC.

Coogee Surf Life Saving Club runs a number of swimming events including the Island Challenge and Run Swim Aquathlon.

Want to become a surf lifesaver in Australia? Get in touch with SLSNSW or your local surf life saving club to find out more.

Reports and impact

The �ʹڲ�Ʊ Water Safety Program has made an impact in �ʹڲ�Ʊ students and the local community since 2018. Read our annual reports below.

Our partners

�ʹڲ�Ʊ Health Promotions Unit would like to acknowledge the contributions made by the , a multidisciplinary team of researchers and practitioners dedicated to keeping people safe at the beach.

We would also like to acknowledge Coogee Surf Life Saving Club and Surf Life Saving NSW for their ongoing collaboration in keeping �ʹڲ�Ʊ students safe in the water.