By CASEY NEILL
LIFE’S now a beach for more than 50 Afghan refugees from Dandenong.
They took part in a beach awareness program at the Brighton Life Saving Club on 31 January.
Club president Danielle Smith said the day included a presentation about things they have to be mindful of at the beach.
“About swimming between the flags, about rock areas – the sort of things we take for granted,” she said.
“They did a beach walk and we talked about the different parts of our beach.
“They also got to participate in a water activity. They got a chance to have a bit of fun and interact with the life savers, and just get that understanding.”
The day’s activities also covered lakes and rivers and common waterside signage.
“This is the first year we’ve run it for that particular group,” Ms Smith said.
“This is something we would like to continue doing.
“We got to meet a whole group of lovely people and they were so delightful to have at the club.
“The screams of excitement when some of the kids caught waves and watching the joy on their faces was so rewarding.
“I think the volunteers got just as much out of it as some of the participants.”
Support for the program came from Catholic Care in Dandenong, Surf Life Saving Australia, Life Saving Australia, VicHealth, City of Greater Dandenong and Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus.
“It’s so important for people from areas where they haven’t had a chance to participate in beach activities to get involved and go and ask questions before they jump into the water to make sure they’re safe,” Ms Smith said.
“We’ve got great beaches. We want everyone to enjoy them, but we want to them stay safe.”
