As part of a partnership between Surf Life Saving Australia and Tourism Australia, four surf lifesavers are helping promote Australia to US travellers through the ‘G’day USA’ campaign.

These surf lifesavers departed Australia on Tuesday 9 January 2007 ahead of a two-week program of events that will focus primarily on promoting Australia’s strong beach culture and the Year of the Surf Lifesaver.

As part of a partnership between Surf Life Saving Australia and Tourism Australia, four surf lifesavers are helping promote Australia to US travellers through the ‘G’day USA’ campaign.

These surf lifesavers departed Australia on Tuesday 9 January 2007 ahead of a two-week program of events that will focus primarily on promoting Australia’s strong beach culture and the Year of the Surf Lifesaver.

Chris Giles, SLSA’s National Development Manager says the four are all graduates of SLSA’s national leadership program and have been selected based on their skills to promote SLSA and act as ambassadors.

“These four young people are also at a stage in their personal and leadership development where they will really benefit from the experience,” he says.

During this campaign, the surf lifesavers will participate in a number of events including a black tie gala dinner with key businessman & Australian celebrities in Los Angeles; a number of cultural exchange days; and a Ford Model of the Year fashion event in New York promoting Australian designers.

Their key role will be to highlight the imagery of surf lifesaving and to promote Australia’s beach lifestyle.

“During these events, our members will be asked to engage with the media and with other guests and dignitaries in promoting Australia’s beaches and surf lifesavers,” Giles says. “They will also be engaged in a range of media based activities with key US programs such as the Today Show and Entertainment Tonight.

“This footage will receive broad coverage both within the US and Australia and will provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase Surf Life Saving and surf lifesavers. “This opportunity will benefit SLSA not only through the increased media exposure, but also in skilling and supporting our future leaders and ambassadors.

“Upon their return, these four members have agreed to continue to use their skills and act as ambassadors for Surf Life Saving back in Australia as well as acting as mentors for our younger members.