Sunshine Coast Survival Swimming Programme Needs Volunteers to Keep Going

The programme needs helping hands to keep up the life-saving work it does – teaching children vital skills that prevent drowning!

Kenton-on-Sea, South Africa (06 February 2026) – The Sunshine Coast Survival Swimming Programme is looking for volunteers in Kenton-on-Sea as it heads into 2026, hoping to continue teaching practical water safety skills to local children in the community.

The programme’s beginner survival swimming sessions take place in a pool, with more advanced classes hosted in rivers and open water.

The initiative was adopted in late 2023 after a devastating New Year’s Eve incident when four young people lost their lives by drowning.

The programme was brought to the Sunshine Coast in hopes that it would help save lives, and it did. In 2024, hundreds of learners benefitted from lessons. Last year, the programme successfully ran 21 sessions throughout the year and led to dozens of students learning more about how to swim safely in life-threatening scenarios.

In January, the programme’s advanced learners took their next big step by swimming in the Kariega River, learning to manage currents, uneven riverbeds, and real-life water challenges. Seven students proudly received their certificates of completion!

Now as the programme looks ahead, it needs volunteers to keep the life-saving work going.

“[We] depend on volunteer instructors to reduce the risk of drowning in our community. Without more volunteers, we cannot expand or sustain these lessons.” programme members shared. “If you are a confident swimmer with a couple of afternoons free each month or know someone passionate about water safety, please consider joining our team. Training is provided free of charge.”

Find out how to get involved here.

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