Surf club provides exchange student activities

A group of young people from Umina Surf Life Saving Club have assisted with the annual Rotary Exchange Program session at Umina recently.

This was the second year the club had conducted the activity for Umina Rotary.

The day kicked off at 2pm with over 20 foreign exchange students eager to hit the water.

A variety of activities awaited them after they received an introductory beach safety and skills talk presented by Umina Surf Life Saving Club president Mr Bill Cook.

Beach flags and water flags, board rescues, skills development and rescue tube scenarios were among the activities as well as the beach volleyball and educational IRB demonstrations.

A "water activity centre" - which includes an inflatable trampoline, slide and mat - was deployed some distance off shore for the students to enjoy.

"It was a successful day with friendships and networking complimenting the educational and enjoyable time by all teaching, learning and supporting one another to make a noteworthy experience," said the club's diversity officer Ms Gaby Krucler.

"It is expected many participants will keep in touch through social networking and will perhaps make contact in the future when travelling overseas."

Umina Surf Life Saving Club youth development officer Mr Carl Krucler said: "Such programs allow youth members of the surf club to have a broader experience than usual sporting and community service situations would normally provide."

"Participants are unanimous in the enthusiasm and willingness to continue to be involved in future years, which benefits their personal development, the overseas visitors, and the profile of surf lifesaving in the community."

Email, 11 Apr 2012

Gaby Krucler, Umina SLSC