Water safety & swim programs | Current Students

Your gateway to water safety at UNSW

Whether you're new to swimming, a casual beachgoer, or an experienced swimmer, the UNSW Water Safety Hub is your go-to destination for tips, resources, and programs to stay safe in aquatic environments.

Discover our award-winning initiatives and join a community committed to water safety.

Explore our programs

UNSW Health Promotion Unit runs a range of programs to help students stay safe in the water. Whether you’re walking the coast, learning to swim, or building beach confidence, we’ve got something for you.

Express your interest

Coogee to Bondi Walk

Join Cultural Mentors for a free half-day coastal walk and learn how to stay safe on Australian beaches.

Learn to Swim Program

Participate in 8x one-hour sessions with a qualified instructor. Improve your swimming skills, meet new friends, and gain water safety knowledge.

Beach Ocean Safe Program

Gain beach confidence and learn vital surf safety skills in this 4-week program designed for all experience levels.

Swimming Safe Grant

Receive 6 months of free-swimming lessons and training to become a swim instructor, surf lifesaver, or water safety ambassador.

Learn more about our waterways

Over 100 people drown on Australian beaches annually, rip currents and surf conditions are key hazards. Most victims are young males.
Stay Safe:

Swim between the red and yellow flags

Avoid unpatrolled beaches

Read safety signs

Never swim alone or under the influence

Call for help if someone is in trouble

Resources:

Beach Safety | Surf Life Saving NSW

Beach Safety Hub | Surf Life Saving NSW

Rip Current Safety

Science of the Surf

If in doubt, don't go out
Inland waterways are the deadliest drowning locations. Most victims are locals, often underestimating risks like currents and submerged hazards.
Stay Safe:

Tell someone your plans

Bring a phone in a waterproof pouch

Don’t swim alone or after drinking

Wear a lifejacket and supervise children

Stay CPR trained

Resources

For more information on river and lake safety, visit:

Rivers and Creeks – Royal Life Saving Society Australia

Lakes and Dams – Royal Life Saving Society Australia

Rivers and Lake Safety – NSW National Parks

River Safety – SA Department for Environment and Water

River Safety – City of Wagga Wagga
Alcohol is a leading cause of drowning in Australia, contributing to nearly half of all fatal incidents. It impairs judgment, coordination, and swimming ability, even at low levels.
Stay Safe:

Avoid alcohol before swimming or boating

Never re-enter water after drinking

Supervise children and avoid alcohol if you're in charge

Follow NHMRC alcohol guidelines

Resources

For further information, visit:

Make the Right Call – Royal Life Saving Australia

Alcohol & Swimming – Surf Life Saving Queensland

Alcohol – NHMRC

DrinkWise

Alcohol Overview – AIHW
Rocky areas are high-risk due to slippery surfaces and unpredictable waves. Activities like rock fishing and risky selfies often lead to tragedy.
Stay Safe:

Wear a lifejacket and non-slip shoes

Check surf conditions

Avoid dangerous edges and jumping from rocks

Don’t visit during surf warnings

Resources

For more information on coastal rock safety, visit:

Figure 8 Pools Risk – Royal National Park

Wedding Cake Rock – Royal National Park

Rock Fishing Safety – NSW Government
Boating is the second leading activity before drowning in Australia. Risk factors include no lifejackets, bad weather, and inexperience.
Stay Safe:

Wear a lifejacket

Avoid alcohol

Check the weather

Tell someone where you’re going

Maintain your vessel and obey signs

Resources

For more on boating and watercraft safety, visit:

Boating and Using Watercraft – Royal Life Saving Society Australia

Boating Safety Resources – NSW Government

Boating Safety – Marine Rescue NSW

Boating Handbook – NSW Government

Hazardous Surf Messages – Bureau of Meteorology

Resources

Surf Life Saving NSW Safety Hub

Learn how to stay safe at the beach with multilingual guides on rips, flags, swimming conditions and more, designed to help everyone enjoy Australia’s coastlines safely.

Sun Safety (Cancer Council)

Understand the risks of UV exposure and discover practical tips to protect your skin from sun damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Royal Life Saving Society (Multicultural Hub)

Explore water safety resources tailored to culturally and linguistically diverse communities, with tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe around water.

Study NSW Water Safety Videos

A must-read for international students, get guidance on beach, pool and inland water safety to enjoy Australia’s waters with confidence.

'If in doubt, don’t go out'

Know your limits before heading into the water. This article shares expert advice on recognising dangerous conditions and making safer decisions.

Ready to take It further?

Interested in taking your swimming further? Explore more advanced opportunities:

UNSW Fitness & Aquatic Centre

Want to find out more about swimming lessons, recreational swimming or competitive swimming, visit the UNSW FAC.

Coogee Ocean Events

Coogee Surf Life Saving Club runs a number of swimming events including the Island Challenge and Run Swim Aquathlon.

Surf Life Saving NSW

Want to become a surf lifesaver in Australia? Get in touch with SLSNSW or your local surf life saving club to find out more.

Reports and impact

The UNSW Water Safety Program has made an impact in UNSW students and the local community since 2018. Read our annual reports below.

2023 UNSW Annual Water Safety

2023

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2024 Annual Report (PDF)

2024

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Our partners

UNSW Health Promotions Unit would like to acknowledge the contributions made by the UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, a multidisciplinary team of researchers and practitioners dedicated to keeping people safe at the beach.

We would also like to acknowledge Coogee Surf Life Saving Club and Surf Life Saving NSW for their ongoing collaboration in keeping UNSW students safe in the water.