The popular UNSW program, developed in collaboration with Surf Life Saving NSW, is now expanding to other universities, as well as to community and migrant groups.
With summer approaching, both locals and visitors flock to Australia’s beaches in large numbers. However, international visitors are at a significantly higher risk of drowning, with long-term data revealing that more than a third of drowning victims were born overseas.
UNSW Sydney has been at the forefront of addressing this issue, creating the Beach Ocean Safe (BOS) program to assist international students and migrants who are unfamiliar with Australian beach conditions.
Now, the BOS program will be offered across the state to other universities, as well as to migrant and community groups that want to help keep their members safe in the water.
Oliver Jackson, UNSW’s Water Safety Officer, explained that the program helps participants develop essential skills and confidence to enjoy Australian beaches safely.
“Many international students come to Australia with little to no experience at the beach, and may feel uncomfortable in the ocean or lack knowledge of basic water safety. This program is not just about swimming; it’s an opportunity to engage with an important part of Australian culture and foster a sense of belonging in our stunning coastal environment,” Mr. Jackson said.
The BOS program includes both theoretical and practical lessons with trained surf life savers, covering key skills such as understanding beach safety signs, how to safely enter and navigate the surf zone, recognizing rips, tides, and waves, as well as first aid and CPR basics.
Since its pilot launch in March 2023, the BOS program, a collaboration between UNSW, Coogee SLSC, and SLS NSW, has already trained over 65 international students from more than 15 countries on how to stay safe at Australian beaches.
Divyam Goyal, a student from inland India, shared that she had been afraid of the ocean when she first arrived in Australia.
“Participating in the BOS program helped me overcome my fear of the ocean,” said Ms. Goyal. “It changed my whole experience in Australia, as I’d always wanted to immerse myself in the beach culture. After completing the program, I gained confidence, learned how to swim, and now enjoy the waters along the coast. I’m also a proud surf life saver at Coogee Beach, thanks to the support from UNSW and my swim mentors, Oliver Jackson and Madhav Raman.”
Encouraged by the program’s success, Mr. Jackson and his colleagues created the Water Safety for International Students Community of Practice (WSIS CoP), which brings together educational institutions, community groups, and government agencies to enhance beach safety education and training across New South Wales.
Over the weekend, the group launched a joint program at Coogee Beach. Forty students from various universities participated in a three-day event, held in partnership with Surf Life Saving and sponsored by Study NSW.
In addition, the group introduced the Beach Ocean Safe (BOS) Program Toolkit, a comprehensive resource including training materials, safety guidelines, and educational tools designed to help surf clubs, educational providers, and community organizations implement the BOS program across NSW. To participate, groups can contact their local SLSC to arrange a course.
Mr. Jackson expressed satisfaction with the event’s success, saying, “This is a historic milestone in the collaboration between NSW’s educational institutions and Surf Life Saving, all working together to ensure the safety of international students and migrants at Australian beaches.”
