Since 1994, NSW surf lifesavers have been visiting schools in rural and remote areas in regional NSW to educate primary school students about beach, coastal and water safety. The 2023 program was held from 6th to 24th November.

Volunteer NSW surf lifesavers travelled over 20,000kms to meet students in rural NSW schools

In 2023 we celebrated 30 years of this iconic program. Volunteer lifesavers met over 11,000 students as they travelled through rural NSW, continuing the tradition of making make a lasting impact on students and their families when they visit the coastline and waterways.

Students attending the program learnt about the role of surf lifesavers, why they should always swim between the red and yellow flags, how to spot a rip current, what to do if they get into trouble at the beach and the different types of marine life along the coast. Lifesavers also discuss the hazards of inland waterways with students.

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This years presentation was absolutely perfect for our students K-6. The messages were clear and the understanding was evident. The students were able to recall and discuss so much of the content covered.

Thank you so much. This is such as important program for our bush kids.
RURAL SCHOOL TEACHER

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In 1994, Robert "Chalkie Bob" Smith was one of the first Beach to Bush presenters. 30 years later, he was back on the road with his family coming along for the ride.

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Thank you for coming to our school and teaching us how to stay safe in the water. You guys were the highlight of our day and gave us great tips in a fun and interesting way.
B2B 2023 STUDENT

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students
11,159
# students reached
school
101
# schools
lifeguard chair
145
# presentations delivered
lifeguard
36
# volunteer presenters
surfboard
20,215
#kms travelled
destination
15
Regional Tours

ON TOUR WITH B2B 2023!

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Team 11
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Beach Wear Mufti Day
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Gunnedah Kindy students
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Tour 4
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The 2024 Ingenia Holiday Parks Beach to Bush program is also proudly supported by the NSW Government in association with Your local club.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEACH TO BUSH PROGRAM

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REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL NOW for BEACH TO BUSH 2024: 4th to 22nd November

We're bringing you all the latest beach and coastal education related news, programs and resources for NSW teachers via our On Patrol newsletter.

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More programs and resources for primary students:

Beach to Bush (K-6)

Each year our volunteer lifesavers go "bush" to educate students about beach and water safety.

Beach to Bush 2023

In 2023 we celebrated 30 years of the Beach to Bush program meeting over 11,000 rural and remote NSW primary school students.

Beach to Bush 2022

Our dedicated surf lifesavers met over 10,000 students during their Beach to Bush tours in rural NSW in 2022

Beach to Bush 2021

For the first time Beach to Bush 2021 was brought to schools virtually with over 7000 students meeting our dedicated lifesavers.

Beach to Bush 2020

Beach to Bush 2020 was an amazing tour with over 9000 students attending a beach and coastal safety session with our lifesavers over three weeks.

Beach to Bush: the 30 Year Anniversary

We're celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic Beach to Bush program!

Beach to Bush the 30 year history 1994-2023

30 year history of the B2B program.

NSW Teachers School Newsletter

On Patrol Newsletter with the Surf Life Saving NSW Community Education team! Bringing you all the latest beach & coastal education related news, programs and resources for NSW teachers and schools.

Creatures Big & Small (K-2)

Come and explore the ocean and beach with a real lifesaver and learn about the amazing creatures that live within the sea in our FREE virtual sessions.

Ocean Myth Busters (3-6)

Come and explore some of the greatest myths of the ocean and coast with a real lifesaver in our FREE virtual sessions.

Annie & the Waves

Learn how to stay safe at the beach with our lifesavers Grace, Liam & Louise. They will take your children on a narrated journey with Annie as she goes on holiday to the beach.

What is a surf lifesaver?

Each summer over 20,000 members of SLSNSW put on the iconic red and yellow uniforms at beaches across the state. So who exactly are these heroes in red and yellow? Let's find out!

What is a rip current?

Rip currents are one of the biggest dangers at the beach. Knowing what a rip is, how to spot one and how to avoid one is key to staying safe at the beach.

What is a wave?

Waves can be fun. You can dive under them, jump over them, watch them gently roll to shore or be awed by their power as they crash on the beach. So how are they formed?

Learn about marine creatures

There are lots of amazing marine creatures that live in the ocean and on our beaches. What are the ones you should look out for when you visit the beach?

How to stay safe at the beach

The beach is for everyone to enjoy. Knowing how to stay safe while at the beach will make sure that you and your family have the best day possible.

Lifesaver @ My School (K-6)

Our Lifesaver @ My School program brings our qualified lifesavers right into your classroom! Students from K to 6 will learn about beach and ocean safety.

Sporting Schools (K-6)

The Sporting Schools program is for all primary school students K-6 keen to learn water and beach skills through Surf Life Saving. The program brings schools and sports together to help Aussie children get active.

Primary Teaching Resources

Curriculum linked unit outlines with a 3 week staged based lesson plan for teachers to download.

Early Stage 1

This curriculum based Early Stage 1 Unit Outline includes a 3 week, staged based, lesson plan and activities for teachers to download.

Stage 1

This curriculum based Stage 1 Unit Outline includes a 3 week, staged based, lesson plan and activities for teachers to download.

Stage 2

This curriculum based Stage 1 Unit Outline includes a 3 week, staged based, lesson plan and activities for teachers to download.

Stage 3

This curriculum based Stage 3 Unit Outline includes a 3 week, staged based, lesson plan and activities for teachers to download.

Ask a Lifesaver!

Are you working on an assignment, need a fact for a project you are trying to finish, or just out of curiosity would like your question answered by our lifesavers who are passionate about beach and ocean safety? Ask our Lifesavers!