It is undeniable that young males are one of the greatest risk groups when it comes to drownings and near fatal incidents at the beach. Young males and youth from diverse, refugee or new migrant backgrounds are at an even higher risk given the added culturally associated barriers and concerns. Young males can face a number of challenges that can greatly impact their safety and wellbeing while recreating on our coastlines. A young person's brain continues to develop well into their early 20's and much research suggests that due to the development of specific parts of the brain at this time, that a young person is less able to judge risky situations and is more likely to take risks and put themselves and their peers in harms way. The beach and Surf Life Saving community provides a perfect learning base for young males to develop their abilities and skills in choosing positive and safe activities, supporting their peers to be safe and learning to better judge situations and challenging environments. Surf Life Saving can provide the tools and skills to help young males navigate chalenging scenarios and can provide them with strategies to ensure their own and the safety of their peers and community. We want our young males to lead, think for themselves and importantly understand and acknowledge their own limits and abilities.

Would you like to seek further support and information from SLSNSW Community Education to help you engage with local youth & young male related groups? Reach out to Mike Anderson, our Community Engagement Officer (Youth & International Students) at manderson@surflifesaving.com.au or on 0421 596913.