UPDATE: A game-changing milestone has been reached at the Wanda Surf Club as a new group of young men, aged 13 to 22, has qualified as lifesavers through an innovative training program. This groundbreaking initiative, a collaboration between Surf Life Saving NSW and Wanda Surf Club, marks the first time in New South Wales and Australia that a program has successfully produced teenage lifesavers.
The program, which has operated for four years, culminated in the participants earning their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC), equipping them with essential skills for joining patrol teams and performing rescues. This certification serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the coveted Bronze Medallion, the core award for active surf lifesavers.
The training initiative was spearheaded by Surf Life Saving NSW in partnership with Swim Brothers, established by Omar Mahmoud and Feroz Sattar. This program was born out of necessity after a group of men from Revesby ASWJ Mosque faced near-drowning experiences at a remote beach and were rescued by off-duty surf lifesavers.
Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Steve Pearce emphasized the significance of this program. “The true heart of this initiative is not just the development of capable lifesavers but the ripple effect their journey has within their communities,” he stated. The program, tailored with support from Sutherland Shire Council lifeguards, is designed to prepare these young men for real-world beach challenges.
Mr. Mahmoud highlighted the urgent need for such initiatives, stating, “Every summer, we’re devastated by the loss of young lives to drownings—young males from migrant communities are particularly overrepresented.” He reiterated that this culturally sensitive program serves to bridge gaps in swim experience, surf literacy, and essential safety skills.
In the past year alone, the number of graduates has nearly doubled, with 15 men now completing the program. Previous participants have gone on to achieve rescue boat qualifications, with some aspiring to become Cert IV trainers, enabling them to deliver the program to others in their communities.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib noted the historical significance of this achievement. “This is the first time a program like this has produced teenage lifesavers in Australia,” he said. “Nearly half of all coastal drownings in NSW involve individuals born overseas. These young men are not only improving their surf safety understanding but also taking this vital knowledge back to their communities, fostering real change.”
As this program continues to evolve, its impact is already being felt. The Wanda Surf Club is setting a precedent that could save lives and pave the way for greater inclusivity within surf culture. With the graduation ceremony just concluded, the community eagerly anticipates the next steps for these newly qualified lifesavers.
Stay tuned for further updates as these young men begin their journey toward becoming lifesaving heroes on Australian beaches.
