Welcome to the Family

Lesson 1 – 40 minutes

Learning outcomes

• Develop an understanding of surf life saving in Australia.
• Identify the surf club as a welcoming place.
• Understand rights and responsibilities as a member of Surf Life Saving Australia.
  

Preparation

• Ensure the club is accessible for the club tour.
• Read and have with you the SLSA Member Safety and Wellbeing Policy.
• Organise for parents to be in attendance during session.
• Whiteboard and markers (optional).
  

IMPORTANT

If you are not confident discussing the personal safety topics in this lesson, identify and bring in somebody who can help, i.e. teacher, club captain, club president, police officer etc.

Discuss

• Welcome all the participants and parents to the junior program and surf club.
• Introduce (from those available) the main people involved in running the junior program or the club.
• Discuss some of the history of surf life saving in Australia and in particular the history of your club – include any interesting facts you might know.
  

Activity 1

• Take your group of participants and parents on a tour of the surf club and surrounding environment.
• Point out areas of interest and importance at your Surf Club e.g. showers/toilets, club hall, equipment shed, patrol room, IRB room, first aid room etc.
• Finish the tour by setting the boundaries for junior activities around the surf club and beach.
  

Discuss

• Ask the participants if they have any questions about the history of surf life saving, the junior program or the surf club and do your best to answer them.
• Start by explaining to participants and parents that a lifesaving club is where everyone should feel welcome and safe.
• Discuss with participants the following parts of the Member Safety and Wellbeing Policy: Codes of Conduct; Rights and Responsibilities; Equality, Discrimination & Anti-Harassment.
• Discuss with the participants these areas in relation to:
  • What does the policy say?
  • Why is it important?
  • What does it mean for the participants?
  • What does it mean for the parents?
  • What does it mean for the surf club?

Ask the participants if they have any questions and discuss any issues arising from the policy. This is a good time to discuss any specific codes of conduct (or rules) that your surf club might have on top of this policy.