SYDNEY NORTHERN BEACHES SCHOOL HOLIDAY SURF SKILLS PROGRAM AT COLLAROY

Sydney Northern Beaches, January 8: Champion lifesavers from Sydney's Northern Beaches will provide NSW school children with an opportunity to learn vital surf skills that could one day save their lives.

The 21 peninsula surf clubs from Manly to North Palm Beach provide vital rescue services throughout the summer months but it is the school holidays which sends them into overdrive.

It is important for youngsters and their parents to have a proper understanding of safety at the beach.

That's why a tailor-made school holiday program targeting kids aged between 9 and 15 has been launched by the Surf Life Saving School  - part of Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches.

The holiday programs will run during the January School Holidays and will offer parents the opportunity to get their children involved in a healthy and active program which is both educational and fun.

The Surf Life Saving School is in its fifth year and provides surf awareness and surf safety programs to schools throughout NSW.

Surf Life Saving School CEO Steve McInnes is excited about a program that could lead to saving lives.

"In the final term of school last year alone over 7,000 students participated in one of our programs and the popularity of our school programs has driven us to develop the holiday programs," Mr McInnes said.

"Our one, two and three day programs are run by experienced surf life savers and are designed to cater for children with all levels of experience."

The holiday programs will offer a great range of activities both on the beach and in the water and will include surf skills, board relays, beach flags, chariot races, and lots of other fun activities and games.

At the same time, the serious aspects of surf awareness and surf safety will be discussed so that kids are aware of the dangers associated with the beach and can develop self survival techniques under the watchful eyes of their instructors.

The Surf Life Saving School holiday programs commence on 13 January 2009 at Collaroy Beach and operate from 10am to 3pm. For further information and bookings see http://www.surflifesavingschool.com.au/ or call  (02) 9913 8066.