Surf Life Saving Australia has traditionally been dominated by white Anglo-Celtic males but is making efforts to embrace cultural diversity and be more representative of modern Australia. The 2005 Cronulla riots highlighted tensions between different ethnic groups at beaches. SLSA's On the Same Wave initiative aims to promote cultural harmony at beaches and within the organization by encouraging participation from diverse communities and developing inclusive practices. The program has had some success in attracting new diverse members but challenges remain in changing perceptions and fully embracing an inclusive culture.

1. EMBRACING DIVERSITY WITHIN SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA World Water Safety Conference, September 2007 John Fitzgerald - Director of Development - SLSA Chris Giles – National Development Manager - SLSA

2. This p resentation addresses the issues of diversity and inclusion within SLSA, with a particular focus on cultural diversity and ethnicity issues arising as a consequence of the Cronulla riots.

6. The iconic image of the Australian surf lifesaver – tanned, blond hair, blue eyes, and able to swim through huge seas – is a long way from the reality of S urf L ife S aving today.

7. C RONULLA … December 2005  a wakeup call to both SLSA and the Australian community.  a crowd gathered in the surrounds of North Cronulla beach carrying Australian flags and voicing support for local surf lifesavers.  t he resulting civil disorder became known as the Cronulla riots .  t he Australian beach lifestyle had become a focus of community tension .

8. ON THE SAME WAVE  an initiative of Surf Life Saving, the community, and both local and national government. It commenced in July 2006 .  program provides support to young Australians of all backgrounds , particularly young Australians of Middle Eastern background, to become part of the beach experience , and to engage with Surf Life Saving around Australia.  program aims to achieve greater harmony between all beach users and promote a culture that the beach is there for all to share .  i t aims to develop inclusive practices within SLSA and individual surf life saving clubs to more effectively attract members from a broader Australian population demographic.

9. The OTSW strategy reflects the need to engage with the community , and to build a culture of change within SLSA that acknowledges and embraces cultural diversity.

11. Specific programs were developed and delivered … Surf Awareness Promoting surf awareness to people from CALD backgrounds. These programs aim to increase surf safety amongst CALD communities and to break down surf life saving stereotypes. Resource Development Resources (eg. lesson plans and delivery support ) developed to assist in the delivery of programs.

12. Specific programs were developed and delivered … Bronze Medallion training Bronze Medallion training delivered to a group of young people from the Lakemba Sports Club. Eighteen (18) new members are now patrolling as members of one of Cronulla’s four surf life saving clubs. Cultural Awareness Training Cultural awareness training was conducted with surf life saving volunteers and staff.

16. Over the past thirty years, SLSA has responded to diversity challenges …  inclusion of women as active surf lifesavers  inclusion of nippers as members of the organisation  adoption of masters competition for older surf lifesavers  extending the minimum age of SLSA membership to 5 years of age E mbracing cultural diversity is a continuation of SLSA’s journey towards being an inclusive organisation within a changing Australian society.

19. The journey continues …