From 1-5 September 2025, Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST), a member of Surf Life Saving Australia, partnered with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to deliver a dynamic five-day water safety program tailored for international students.

With international students identified as being at increased risk of drowning due to limited experience with Tasmania’s coastal and inland waterways, the programaimed to build water confidence, swimming skills, and lifesaving awareness among students newly arrived in Tasmania.

Held across Hobart and Launceston, the program combined classroom-based education with practical aquatic sessions, including survival swimming, water familiarisation, and learn-to-swim instruction. It was designed to be inclusive and culturally responsive, recognising the diverse backgrounds and varying levels of water experience among participants.

“Tasmania’s waterways are beautiful but can be unpredictable and dangerous if you don’t know how to stay safe,” Roulias said.

“This program is about giving international students the confidence, awareness, and practical skills they need to enjoy the water safely. We’ve tailored the content so it’s inclusive and accessible, no matter what a student’s previous experience with swimming might be.”

She added that the initiative is also about building stronger connections within the community. “Water safety is a shared responsibility, and by working with international students we’re helping them feel more at home and supported while studying in Tasmania.”

The International Student Water Safety Program reflects a strong collaboration between the University of Tasmania and Surf Life Saving Tasmania.

Head of student engagement at the University, Virginia Mahony, said the program was developed and first run in 2024.

“It has been fantastic to work with Surf Life Saving Tasmania to deliver this valuable program, and we’re really excited to be able to offer it in Launceston for the first time,” Mahony said.

“It’s tailored for the students and provides the perfect opportunity to gain confidence and learn in a supportive environment. It’s been wonderful to see students making new friends through the course too.

“Tasmania is such an amazing place to come to study and this program helps international students stay safe as they get out and experience everything our state has to offer.”

Program Highlights:

• Tailored Water Safety Education: Delivered in formats accessible to students with limited swimming experience.
• Practical Aquatic Skills: Survival swimming and learn-to-swim sessions adapted to individual needs.
• Community Connection: Opportunities to engage with local lifesavers and build peer networks.
• Regional Reach: The program expanded to Launceston for the first time in 2025.

SLST continues to champion inclusive education and proactive safety initiatives, empowering students with life-saving knowledge and fostering a culture of connection across Tasmania’s aquatic environments.