'On the Same Wave'

On the Same Wave Program

'On the Same Wave' (OTSW) is an SLSSA development program now in its third year after its introducion and consolidation via funding grants from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), the South Australian State Government and a philanthropic funding allocation from Newman's Own Foundation.

The program has again been fortunate to secure funding grants from the Federal Government's Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) and Australian Sports Commission (ASC) along with continued support from the South Australian Government via the Office for Recreation and Sport (ORS) and their 'Be Active' and 'Move It' programs.

OTSW works towards increasing relationships, respect and understanding between the broader community and those already familiar with Surf Life Saving and its associated activities. It works with people from all backgrounds however the program is especiallyfocussed on youth with a culturally and/or linguistically diverse (CALD) background and those from indigenous communities.

OTSW aims to increase Surf Life Saving's understanding, openness and responsiveness to cultural diversity and is now benefitting from an increased membership diversity within clubs. To facilitate this cultural awareness programs have been provided to staff and volunteer members along with access to suitable resources for use within Surf Life Saving at the Club level to assist attract and retain new members from these communities.

OTSW also aims to ensure everyone who uses the beach or swims in the surf is safe by providing a range of promotional information and resources, surf safety programs and SLS award training to community groups as relevant. This has also helped to increase the understanding of this iconic Australian pastime and its associated lifesaving activities.

OTSW varies from information provision to training to be a Surf Life Saver and delivery of the program depends on the person or community group and their identified requirements. It can initially be provided as part of an established educational curriculum or by SLSSA away from the beach in community halls or classrooms and then on the beach or in a surf club.

Participation in the program does not necessitate joining Surf Life Saving however this will hopefully assist in creating an environment where anyone feels able to part of this organization and welcome to join in if they wish. All participants will be given information about ways they can join or be involved in a surf club and if interested, Surf Life Saving is committed to helping find and join their nearest club.

Links

• For Beach Safety Inforation and Resources from the SLSA website click here

• For 'Surf Safety' Information in Different Languages Click Here

• For more 'Surf Safety Tips' click here.

• For 'Fact Sheets' Click Here.

• For details and information on 'Rip currents' click here

TO ACCESS THE 'ON THE SAME WAVE' PROGRAM OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Surf Life Saving SA
Phone: 08 8354 6900
Facsimilie: 08 8354 6999
Email: Click Here
Address: 219 Henley Beach Road, Torrensville SA 5031
Postal: PO Box 108, Torrensville SA 5031