ABC Surf safety

To coincide with 2007 Year of the Surf Lifesaver, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and the Curriculum Corporation have announced a compelling new surf safety program, called Surfâ„¢s Up, which is available to all Australian primary schools.

Packed full of useful information, these teaching aides can be adopted by teachers and integrated into their lesson plans as part of the curriculum.

To coincide with 2007 Year of the Surf Lifesaver, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and the Curriculum Corporation have announced a compelling new surf safety program, called Surf’s Up, which is available to all Australian primary schools.

Packed full of useful information, these teaching aides can be adopted by teachers and integrated into their lesson plans as part of the curriculum.
Within the program there are four key learning areas which raise student awareness of issues relating to beach safety and the coastal environment, as well as enhancing the understanding of the role that surf lifesavers play in the community.

The Surf’s Up curriculum is extremely topical and relevant to young Australians given the high level of beach visitations each year and the potential dangers of the surf on Australia’s coastline.
With the support of teachers Australia-wide, SLSA hopes that Surf’s Up will provide children in Australian classrooms with surf safety knowledge that might one day save their lives and help to reduce the number of coastal rescues on Australia’s beaches which average 10,000 each year.

Brett Williamson OAM, CEO Surf Life Saving Australia says “By investing the time and resources into educating the youth of Australia, we’re creating a generation of surf smart Australians and a strong foundation for an ongoing legacy from the Year of the Surf Lifesaver.

Susan Mann, CEO Curriculum Corporation says “We are pleased to have been asked by Surf Life Saving Australia to create the Surf’s Up teaching resource to promote awareness about an issue so vital to beach loving Australians.”
“The lessons and activities offered are relevant and immediately useful for primary students from 8 to 12 years of age, she said.

Celebrations are continuing across the nation for 2007 Year of the Surf Lifesaver, marking 100 years of Surf Life Saving in Australia.

Upcoming events include the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in Perth late March and the arrival of the Between The Flags travelling exhibition from Canberra to Sydney.