When we educate one person about beach safety, we know that we are educating a family and a community. Adult groups and older individuals can be harder to engage in beach safety education as they are less likely to be a captive audience - but they are just as important. In the instance of younger children, we know that we must always make an effort to engage their parents and families. We may be able to teach young children about beach safety but it will ultimately come down to the guidance and instruction of their parents and family that will lead to a safe or unsafe beach environment in which to play and have fun. In mutlicultural communitis we know that many adults cannot swim and yet they will be the ones to supervise their children at the beach and in the water. A vital key message for our adults is to remember that beach safety begins well before setting foot in the sand and it begins with the decision to go to the beach. It is the small positive decisions and actions that we take that will ultimately provide for our and our familys well-being. Ensuring we reserach the beach before leaving home, pack appropriately, wear proper swim wear, swim between the flags, check the signs and always swim together and monitor young children will help our communities stay safe and have a great beach day.

Would you like to seek further support and information from SLSNSW Community Education to help you engage with local wider community groups? Reach out to Isam Al-Handola, our Multicultural Education & Engagement Officer at ial-handola@surflifesaving.com.au or on 0429 614 873.