Forty members of Hornsby’s Chinese Community including young families attended this important initiative where they mingled with members of Toowoon’s Surf Life Saving Club and participated in beach safety presentations, as well as board and swimming activities.
Last Sunday’s workshop was targeted at the Chinese community living in the Hornsby Shire region and was supported by SLSNSW, Surf Life Saving Central Coast, Community Migrant Resource Centre and the Australian Asian Cultural Association.
The Central Coast was a natural fit as host as many living within the community prefer the short trip up the M1 for rock fishing and other coastal activities.
Surf Life Saving NSW Academy Community Education Project Officer Jo Massey said the session plays an important part in communicating safety messages to the wider community.
“As lifesavers we feel that education is important especially to an audience that are not necessarily familiar with the environment. I think all the participants gained a lot out of the day and can now go back to their community and continue to spread these lessons to their family and friends,” said Jo Massey.
During the workshop the participants were taught useful tips of where to swim at the beach, the role of the lifesaver, and what to do if you get into difficultly. They were also shown how to identify rips and witnessed the different rescue techniques and skills before getting the chance to hit the water themselves.