THE Beachport Vacswim program reached record numbers during its recent one-week program which attracted participants from all over the South East region and beyond to the Beachport foreshore.
This year a record number of 276 participants resulted in a 25pc increase from last year, which saw it recognised as the second largest beach program in regional South Australia.
Many of the staff were recruited from the Beachport Surf Life Saving Club, including two instructors in charge, eight instructors, five assistant instructors and six volunteers.
The surf life saving program focused on developing participant’s confidence in, beach safety skills aquatics rescues and swimming in open water.
Instructor in charge Julie Moran was pleased parents have realised how vital their child’s safety is in the water and enrolled their children in the programs.
Moran also noted how challenging the weather conditions were on the foreshore and why she was proud of everyone who adapted to those difficult conditions.
“This year the weather conditions have been favourable compared to other years, but we have been challenged with large swell for a significant portion of the swimming program,” she said.
“All participants are to be commended for their resilience in learning how to be safe at the beach and adapting to the conditions.”
Some of the skills taught included how to recognise and escape from a rip, marine creatures, swimming, board paddling skills, rescues, first aid and CPR.
There were also students who completed Stage 10 Vacswim and will be rewarded with a community surf rescue certificate.
The program complements the Beachport Surf Life Saving Club Nippers program, with sessions scheduled most Sunday mornings during the summer months.
