Ocean Warriors: Committed to Inclusivity and Safety in Surf Lifesaving

Date Posted:Mon, 5th Aug 2024

Ocean Warriors provides a safe, fun, inclusive, and healthy outdoor Surf Lifesaving club for children between the ages of 4 and 18 years. This progressive learning and development program encompasses beach and ocean awareness and safety, first aid, resuscitation, rescue, and the sport of Surf Lifesaving.

As part of our commitment to inclusion and social responsibility, Ocean Warriors are actively involved with the RYA Sailability Program. Ocean Warriors voluntarily provided services two mornings per week to People of Determination students as part of the RYA Sailability program which is extremely important and appreciated by the local community. The Ocean Warriors facilitate and equip the People of Determination students to work through their challenges and enjoy the ocean whilst learning water safety.

On HRH Princess Anne's recent visit to Dubai on, she specifically requested and visited the Sailability program on 1st March 2024 to extend her thanks and appreciation.

Sailability is a worldwide, not-for-profit, volunteer-based movement that facilitates sailing for everyone regardless of experience and competence. The initiative offers a structured programme that rotates students with learning or physical challenges through a range of land and water-based activities.

Within the Sailability program, Ocean Warriors have been working with the POD students on activities outside of sailing. Through activities on the beach and in the sea to we are working improve the student's water and beach safety awareness, confidence and basic First Aid by offering a structured and safety focused development program following the Royal Lifesaving Society UK syllabus.

The students have benefited from the new physical activity, whilst learning new skills and improving their well-being. It has been amazing to see these students grow throughout the year.

The positive impact Ocean Warriors have had on the children has been noted by the Sailability Lead, who has stated how it has helped with “building the children’s confidence, giving them belief in themselves, and allowing them to explore something they love. Ocean Warriors strives to help young people with additional needs, help them achieve, feel included and develop self confidence in their abilities. This is very beneficial and makes for a safer, water smart and inclusive community.”

At Ocean Warriors, we are proud to continue our work with Sailability, spread the message of inclusivity and help our POD students experience the water and sailing safely.

If you would like to learn more about Ocean Warriors and our journey with Sailability, please email [email protected] or visit our website at https://www.theoceanwarriors.com/

Author: Daniel Gatfield