Royal Life Saving Queensland’s Water STAARS (Support To Access Aquatic Recreational Spaces) Program finished up last weekend on the beautiful shores of Bulcock Beach, Caloundra. This program was targeted towards individuals between 5-21 years of age with a disability to access the beach.
In partnership with Steps Pathways College, our 2022 program focused on water and personal safety around the beach. This initial partnership has aimed to drive disability participation, and allow many individuals (who have not previously had the opportunity) the chance to access these aquatic spaces in a safe, supportive and educational manner.
Over the course of the final session, participants engaged in a range of exciting and educational activities!
Learning about raising your arm for help, the H.E.L.P postures and practicing floating in lifejackets.
Practicing falling off inflatable boats, rescues using tubes and boards and asking for help, whilst learning how to keep safe.
Coming together for a lifejacket huddle and having discussions on the benefits of a huddle before engaging in a game of sponge relay!
After the activity session came to a close, we were visited by Jason Hunt MP who attended the certificate ceremony for the participants and volunteers. This was followed by a morning tea, organized and funded by MP Jason Hunt’s office.
“It is through partnerships like this and support from the Sunshine Coast Council, Ithaca Life Saving Club and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services that we can continue to develop these disability programs and increase opportunities for youth with a disability to be part of this exciting program”
– Beverley Newton, RLSSQ Projects Officer.
Over the course of the four weeks, each session had it’s own theme. These included: sun safety and beach signage, rips and waves, personal water safety and rescue techniques and marine animals, team work, boat falls and personal water safety and rescue. Each session also included a range of fun and engaging activites for the participants.
Moving forward, our future programs will not only focus on the coastal aquatic environments, but will also focus on inland waterways such as rivers, lakes and dams and the considerations for each environment.
The success of our pilot program would not have been possible without the support from Steps Pathways College and their volunteers, and the Sunshine Coast Council’s grants program. Royal Life Saving Society Queensland will now continue to plan for the next Water STAARS program for summer 2023.
If there are any organisations that would love to get involved in our Summer 2023 program please contact us at projects@rlssq.com.au, or call us on 07 3823 2823 today!
This program is proudly support by the Queensland Government, Queensland Fire & Rescue Service.
