Welcome to Wollongong City Council's Surf Sense education program for preschools and community groups.
Success criteria
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand sun protection.
- Identify Lifeguards and what the red and yellow flags mean.
- Understand to always swim with a parent or adult.
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Know the importance of reapplying sunscreen and having time in shade.
- Know what they should do if they need assistance.
- Know that when swimming in the flags Lifeguards are there to help in any way.
- Know what the Beach Closed flag is and what it means.
Visual resources
Course outline
| Topic | Content | Resource |
|---|
Introduction | - Introduce yourself
- Acknowledgement of Country: “I would like to pay my respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Dharawal Country, the land on which we meet. I would like to pay my respect to Elders past, present and emerging. I would also like to extend my respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people present here today.”
- Who likes the beach?
- Which beach do you go to? Which is your favourite beach?
- Describe Council Lifeguard uniforms and explain the role of Lifeguards.
| Card 1 |
Getting ready for the beach | - Explain the importance of getting ready for time at the beach. Pack a bag with essential items you need for sun protection.
- Explain that a parent, relative or carer should help with putting on SPF +50 sunscreen
| Card 2 |
Red and yellow flags | - Identify the red and yellow flag swimming area
- The flags are visible whenever Lifeguards are on duty, and the Lifeguards will always be watching over you.
- Introduce No Flags, No Swim.
| Card 3 |
- Point out the red and yellow flags again which represent a safe place to swim.
- Talk about the importance of swimming with a parent, guardian or trusted adult at all times.
| Card 4 |
- Again, point out the red and yellow flags and ask the group why they should swim between them.
- Encourage the class to repeat after you, No Flags, No Swim.
| Card 5 |
Stay calm and raise an arm | - If you ever have an issue while swimming, stay calm and raise an arm.
| Card 6 |
- No matter where you are swimming, if you have trouble and are waiting for a Lifeguard, remember to Float to Survive.
| Card 7 |
Lifeguards are there to help | - When you swim between the flags, a Lifeguard will always be watching you.
- Lifeguards will see you in trouble, usually before you realise you may be, and react.
- Lifeguards all respond in many different ways.
- Lifeguards are always there to help, regardless of your issue.
| Card 8 |
The beach is closed | - Identify the No Swimming flag.
- Ask reasons why the beach might be closed.
| Card 9 |
Take a break at the beach | - Outline the importance of time in the shade.
- Explain the importance of reapplying sunscreen. This should be done every two hours when in and out of the water.
- Talk about the importance of eating nutritious food and rehydrating during your day at the beach.
| Card 10 |
Lifeguards are there to help | - Tell participants they should seek out a Lifeguard if they have questions at any time.
- Lifeguards are your friends and there to help.
| Card 11 |
Leave only footprints | - What is the only thing you can leave at the beach?
- At the end of the day, take your rubbish with you.
| Card 12 |
See you at the beach | - If you follow these lessons at the beach, the Lifeguards will be happy.
- We hope to see you at the beach soon.
| Card 13 |
Interactive rescue play / demonstration
If there is enough time and participants, ask for four volunteers from the group:
- Two volunteers can each hold a red and yellow flag
- One volunteer can be the Lifeguard
- One volunteer can act as a distracted swimmer.
Ask all participants to stand and pretend to swim between the red and yellow flags.
Ask the volunteer playing the role of the distracted swimmer to pretend to swim outside the red and yellow flags.
Motion for the Lifeguard to step into action by carrying a rescue tube out to the distracted swimmer. The Lifeguard, with your help, will wrap the tube around the swimmer then mimic swimming back to shore.
You can repeat the demonstration multiple times to show how simple and stress-free being rescued actually is.
