Migrants learn ocean skills, avoiding potential tragedies

ABC NEWS (Australia)

For those new to Australia, the dangers present on our beaches aren't often obvious. That's why surf lifesavers are ramping up efforts to teach migrants how to enjoy the best of summer, while avoiding getting into trouble in the water.

Transcript

00:00It's affectionately known as Glamorama, and these new migrants are finding out why.

00:07Wonderful.

00:08I haven't been, but I so really like it.

00:13As summer sets in, volunteers from the Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club are putting on swim

00:18safety courses with groups from adult English colleges in Sydney's west.

00:25It's an opportunity for people like Yaa from Syria to learn vital skills in one of Sydney's

00:31most scenic spots.

00:33Lots of fun.

00:34I'm so excited to get to know a different culture and part of Australian culture.

00:41In my country, we have the sea, not ocean, so it's so different.

00:45It's different information for me.

00:48Thirty percent of drownings in New South Wales occur among people born overseas.

00:53Many of our students, this is their first trip to a beach.

00:58They've come out of their Bankstown hub, and they are just not aware of the dangers.

01:03So no swimming, no swimming, no swimming.

01:07The courses are delivered with the help of translators to make sure the messages are clear.

01:12We'll have bilingual support that come from the colleges to help the students, and then

01:16we take them down to the beach so they can have a look around, look at the signs.

01:20One of the worst dangers for people who are new to our beaches is a rip.

01:24That's why the volunteers have dyed the water here to teach the group how to avoid getting

01:28caught in one.

01:29If we can get that word out as far-reaching as possible to as many communities as possible,

01:34who again will talk to their families and friends about the day and about what they've learned.

01:38I think it's really important and really helpful for me and for everyone.

01:43My classmates know how to safety in the beach.

01:46I'm really excited to go to the beach now.

01:48Testing the waters before diving into summer.

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