Holiday Program 2025

Free 'Come and Try' Water Safety Programs this summer

Surf Life Saving Tasmania invites you and your family to join our exciting water safety programs this summer.

Whether you're a child eager to play and learn or an adult seeking confidence in the water, we've got you covered with our two specially designed programs.   

Programs are scheduled to operate weekdays throughout January at different beaches in Hobart and North-west Tasmania.

Come and Try!   

Our Surf Safety sessions are the perfect starting point to build confidence to enjoy our Tasmania’s beaches safely.

	Beach safety for kids  Tailored for 5-12yrs	9.30- 11am	Weekdays  January 2025
	Water safety skills  Open to all ages	11.30 - 1pm	Weekdays  January 2025
	For babies 0-3yrs	11.30-1pm	14 Jan 2025 Sandy Bay
	Multicultural Program	11.30-1pm	28 Jan 2025 Sandy Bay
	Designed for older participants (65yrs+)	11.30-1pm	30 Jan 2025 7Mile Beach

Click here to check availability and book

Surf Smart - Beach Safety for Kids (5 - 12yrs)

Combines fun beach activities with essential, life-long water safety skills. 

What’s it all about? 
A great way to teach children important water safety skills through a mix of activities, beach games, and rescue demonstrations. It’s not just about staying safe – it’s about having fun while building confidence in the water and learning important safety skills.

Who can Join?
The program is open to families with kids aged from 5 - 12 years.
From beginner swimmers to water enthusiast, our activities are tailored to suit all levels of swimming abilities.
We welcome the opportunity to offer adaptive versions of the program for any higher needs participants – please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

What will you learn?

• Water Safety Awareness: Understand the meaning of flags, signs, sun safety, how to signal for help, and become familiar with surf lifesavers and their equipment.
• Rips and Rescues: Identify rips and learn ways to self-rescue and assisting others, along with tips to avoid risky situations.
• Water Skills: Experience wading, dolphin diving, floating, underwater skills, and essential survival skills.
• Flags and Beach Activities: Enjoy traditional beach flags, modified water versions, obstacle courses, beach sprints, relays, and team-building games.

Important:

• Please note, the minimum entry requirement for this program is 5 years of age.
• Parents/carers must remain present for the whole duration as responsible guardians.
• Please bring bathers, wetsuit (optional), towel, drinking water, sunhat, sunscreen, rash shirt

Check availability and book

Beach Wise - Water Safety and Skills (all ages)

Designed to build confidence and learn basic water safety and beach awareness skills, regardless of your age or experience!
We provide a supportive and encouraging environment to learn about water safety with tailored instructions and activities that cater to various comfort levels in the water.  A great opportunity to boost your confidence in and around the water.

What we’ll cover

• Water Safety Awareness: Understand the meaning of flags, signs, sun safety, how to signal for help.
• Rips and Rescues: Identify rips and learn ways to self-rescue and assist others
• Water Skills: build confidence in the water with wading and floating techniques suited to the beach.
• Flags and Beach Activities: Traditional beach activities and modified versions to suit all ages.

Important Notes:

• Please bring bathers, wetsuit (optional), towel, drinking water, sunhat, sunscreen, rash shirt if available
• Parents/carers of any participants <18yrs must remain present for the whole duration as responsible guardians.
• Please note, the minimum entry requirement for this program is 5 years of age.

Check availability and book

Inclusive Beach Programs

Our programs create a fun and inclusive space to connect, build confidence, and enjoy Tasmania’s beaches safely. Whether you’re starting your water safety journey, rediscovering your love of the ocean, or introducing your family to safe water play, there’s something for everyone.

Each session includes a range of activities tailored to the age and experience of the group:

• Water Safety Awareness: Learn about signs, sun safety, and how to signal for help.
• Rips and Rescues:   What to look for and what to do if you or a family member is caught in a current.
• Water Skills: Practice wading, floating, and other essential techniques suited to your abilities.
• Beach Activities: Enjoy age-appropriate, engaging games on the sand.
  
  

What to Bring

For all programs, participants should bring:

• Bathers, Towel, Drinking water, Sunhat, Sunscreen
• Rash shirt or wetsuit (if available)
  
  

THRIVE – Multicultural Water Safety

The THRIVE program is specifically designed to introduce migrants, refugees, and international visitors to the beach environment, to gain essential water safety knowledge and skills. Participants will learn how to stay safe in and around water, become familiar with lifesaving equipment and techniques, and enjoy a positive introduction to our beaches. This program empowers participants with the confidence to navigate waterways safely and avoid potential risks.

Who it’s for:
This program is open to everyone but is particularly suited to those with little or no swimming experience, including individuals new to Australia’s aquatic culture.

Check availability and book

Silver Salties – 65+

Silver Salties programs are offered at a number of Surf Life Saving Clubs around Tasmania, as a regular place for anyone 65+ to gather, and participate in a range of activities, on and off the beach.

Our holiday program version is designed to encourage older adults to connect with others while learning critical water safety skills and enjoying beach-based activities. Whether you’re rediscovering your love of the ocean or experiencing it for the first time, this program builds confidence through a supportive and fun environment.  

Who it’s for:
Anyone aged 65+ who is looking to stay active, social, and confident in and around the water. The program accommodates all swimming abilities and ensures comfort and safety at every level.

Check availability and book

Water Babies – Ages 0-3

The Water Babies program is designed to help families with young children develop lifelong water safety habits in a fun, play-based environment. Parents and carers learn how to safely supervise and engage with their little ones at the beach, building confidence for both adult and child. Activities are designed to foster positive experiences in and around water, laying the foundation for a lifetime of safe enjoyment of Tasmania’s waterways.

Who it’s for:
Families with children aged 0-3. This program is as much for parents and carers as it is for the little ones, helping adults feel comfortable and capable while introducing their children to water safety.   Parents/carers must stay with their children throughout the session to ensure safety and active participation.

Check availability and book