Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) is making a splash with a new statewide Water Safety Program designed to help women, youth and young adults from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds build confidence, skills and safety around water.

Running from August 2026 through to March 2027, the eight-month initiative will be delivered in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie and Smithton, providing participants with a supported pathway from first-time water experiences through to beach and surf safety.

The program begins in the pool, where participants are introduced to aquatic environments through familiarisation sessions that focus on water confidence, pool safety and overcoming barriers to accessing swimming facilities. From there, participants progress to survival swimming lessons and a ten-week learn-to-swim program that develops essential swimming and water survival skills.

Once confidence grows in the pool, the learning moves outdoors. Safe Water and Surf Education sessions help participants understand how to identify risks in and around waterways, while Beach Safety and Activity Days combine practical safety knowledge with fun water-based activities and opportunities to celebrate the diverse cultures represented in the program.

Beyond teaching life-saving skills, the initiative aims to strengthen communities. Participants will develop leadership and communication skills, with many encouraged to become advocates for water safety within their own families and communities.

By focusing on groups that can face greater barriers to swimming and water safety education, SLST hopes to reduce drowning risks and create lasting positive change across Tasmania’s migrant and refugee communities.

The program is proudly supported by Healthy Tasmania and will run at the following locations during the pool-based phase from August to December 2026:

• Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre, Wednesdays 2:00pm to 3:30pm
• Sea-Lyons Aquatics, Burnie, Saturdays 12:30pm to 1:30pm
• Splash Devonport Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Wednesdays 1:30pm to 2:30pm
• Brent Wrankmore Swim School, Launceston, Wednesdays 1:30pm to 2:30pm
• Swirl Smithton, Wednesdays 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Beach-based sessions will follow from January to March 2027.

Whether you’re looking to improve your own water confidence, support a family member learning to swim, or connect with a welcoming community, this program offers a safe and supportive place to start.

For more information, contact nroulias@slst.asn.au or register your interest today via the form.