Year 9 – Surf Ed

Justin Chiu

The Surf Educate day in Week 8 was an educationally beneficial and fun experience for students from Years 8 and Year 9 which was held at Manly Beach.

My peers and I participated in this event in 2023 and 2024, where we engaged in various activities designed to enhance our water safety and ocean skills, while enjoying time with friends. We learned how to surf, dolphin dive and tread water, gaining hands on experience that prepared us for future outings without parental supervision.

Importantly, the program also taught essential survival skills such as how to call for help if caught in a rip current and strategies to stay afloat. Given the unpredictable nature of the ocean where conditions can change rapidly and waves can sweep us off our feet, this knowledge is crucial for adolescents like us who often find ourselves on the beach.

We also learned to remain aware of our surroundings and be ready for any situation that might arise, emphasising the importance of caution even in family-friendly environments.

Overall, the day was filled with joy and education, making it a memorable experience. We are truly grateful to our teachers and the lifeguard staff who dedicated their time to ensuring we received this valuable training in ocean awareness.