Making Waves in the World of Surf Life Saving

Sand, surf and red and yellow flags are probably the first things that come to mind when thinking about Coogee Surf Life Saving Club. But with the Surf Life Saving Training Program, that might just change.  

25-year-old, Scott Green first became involved with MDNSW in 2011 when his parents attended a conference. Almost fifteen years and more than eleven MDNSW camps later, Scott embarked on a new adventure – surf lifesaving.  

Through the Surf Life Saving Training Program, a Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club initiative, Scott and a group of young people living with Muscular Dystrophy took part in a three-week course teaching them the basics of surf lifesaving. Run by Coogee Surf Life Saving Club, Scott and his team were taught how to spot someone in trouble, the best ways to communicate a crisis via radio and how to work as a team – something which Scott acknowledged was probably the most useful skill of them all! 

The response from the original iteration of the program was so positive that Coogee Surf Lifesaving, along with MDNSW, will be running the program again this year – with new spots open for members of the wider MDNSW community. 

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“For any other MDNSW members who would like to be part of it – it’s a really good thing to do,” Scott told us whilst reflecting on his own experiences. Scott himself has since continued with his surf lifesaving journey, by becoming a season regular at the Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club.  

When asked what encouraged him to sign up for the program, Scott replied “the idea that a surf lifesaving club was keen to have people with a disability. I never thought it could happen.” This sense of community is something that Scott experienced, not just from club leadership, but also from his peers.  

Currently living in Western Sydney, Scott isn’t often able to trek it all the way out to the beachside often so being treated as a part of the broader Coogee community regardless of his geographical location has made a huge impact on Scott.  

He notes that one of the best things to come out of the program are the friendships he’s made along the way. Each season, most of the surf live savers return, meaning Scott can spend quality time with his lifesaving buddies, despite being from all over Sydney!     

Speaking about the program, Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club Captain Alexandra Scott said the Surf Life Saving Training Program “’has been game changing in re-imagining what a Surf Lifesaver is. It shows our community that it is possible to be involved no matter who you are and has allowed us to focus on how to adapt our processes so to cater to everyone.”  

Inclusivity and accessibility are a major focus for the Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club, having even approached Scott on several occasions to consult on the club’s accessibility. Scott couldn’t speak more of the club and their commitment to bettering the club environment. “They’re always looking at ways to be more inclusive, it’s really good to see.” 

Since his enrolment in the program, Scott has been asked to take on a leadership role in the upcoming Surf Life Saving Training Program and assist the club in training other people with MD to become surf lifesavers. He encourages people within the community to apply. “It’s really good, meeting new people and learning skills.”   

To get involved with the Surf Life Saving Training Program register your interest HERE. Or for more information on how you can get involved contact our team at info @mdnsw.org.au or (02) 9888 5711.