With summer around the corner, Sydney’s international students and local communities are coming together for a life-saving cause. The 5th Session of the Beach Safety Workshop, organised by Vision For Motivation (VFM) in partnership with the Southern Communities Council (SCC) and NRNA SCC–NSW, will take place this Sunday, 16 November 2025, from 11 AM – 2 PM at 95 The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands NSW 2216.
The event, themed “Swim Between the Red and Yellow Flags!”, blends education with community celebration, featuring a beach photo and video shoot, live DJ, and light refreshments, all free to attend. But behind the fun is a serious goal: helping newcomers and young people understand how to stay safe along Australia’s stunning but unpredictable coastline.
Organisers say the initiative was born out of real concern. Each year, tragic incidents involving untrained swimmers highlight the need for stronger community education around beach safety.
What Beach Safety Really Means
Many drownings and near-misses occur because people underestimate the ocean’s strength. This workshop breaks down essential coastal awareness into easy, actionable lessons, including:
- Reading beach flags and warning signs — understanding what each colour means.
- Spotting and escaping rip currents — learning simple survival moves if caught.
- Understanding surf conditions and tides before entering the water.
- Using flotation devices correctly and recognising lifeguard signals.
- Knowing emergency responses — when and how to call for help.
- Respecting sun safety — hydration, sunscreen, and shade tips.
Led by trained lifeguards, local volunteers, and community health advocates, the session makes these life skills accessible and interactive.
“Australia’s beaches are beautiful but can be dangerous if you don’t know the basics,” said Mahesh Prasai, spokesperson for VFM. “Our goal is to turn awareness into confidence, so everyone can enjoy the sea safely.”
A Growing Community Movement
Now in its fifth year, the Beach Safety Workshop has become one of the region’s most effective awareness programs for multicultural communities. Past participants say it not only boosted their confidence in the water but also built stronger friendships within Sydney’s diverse diaspora.
As temperatures rise and summer energy builds, organisers hope more students and families will join this weekend’s event, that stands as both a celebration and a reminder: the ocean welcomes everyone, but safety always comes first.
