Our Surf Skills for over 50’s program is designed to increase knowledge of local beaches, while greatly improving confidence in managing beach conditions and emergency situations. This course is facilitated by trained Surf Lifesavers, who cater activities to suit individual capabilities.
Understanding Beach Conditions
Learn how to identify rip currents, spot hazards, and read changing surf conditions. The session also includes an introduction to CPR and how to respond in an emergency.
Basic Rescue Skills
Take part in simple and engaging rescue activities. You’ll learn survival swimming techniques and how rescue equipment can be used to help someone in trouble.
Social Morning Tea
Finish the session with a casual morning tea. This is a chance to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with other members of the community.
Stay tuned for more information.
Join Surf Life Saving Queensland for a relaxed and practical session where trained Surf Lifesavers share tips on reading beach conditions, identifying hazards, and responding in an emergency.
The program is interactive, suitable for all abilities, and designed to help seniors feel more confident around the water.
Spots are limited. Register your interest to secure your place.
What a great program. The surf lifesavers were so knowledgeable and did a great job teaching the surf safety skills. I definitely feel I know more about what to do in the surf if I find myself in trouble and how to stay out of danger in the first place! - Caeleigh
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the session and compliment the team.Everyone was so friendly and informative but more importantly relatable. Their care and patience was evident during every interaction, checking in with us to ensure our understanding plus putting our learnings into practice. So glad that I got opportunity to attend plus bonus of rashie as well. - Sharon
I found the experience very reassuring. Everyone was very kind and caring and I went home with several good tips from the event. Thank you to all those who gave their time and expertise. - Rosemary
I really appreciated being part of the Watersafe Seniors program this season. It was extremely well run, practical and genuinely empowering. The team from Mooloolaba Surf Club did a fantastic job, and it was clear how committed everyone is to helping seniors stay safe and confident in the water.
I sincerely hope the program is able to continue next year. It makes a real difference, particularly for those of us who may be newer to the Coast or rebuilding confidence in the surf. - Nigel
The program gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to feel comfortable in and around the surf. Learning how to properly read conditions, understand local hazards, recognise rip currents and use the flag system has made an enormous difference. The content was practical and tailored to seniors, acknowledging that our capabilities can change while still encouraging us to stay active and engaged.
Since completing the program, I’ve surprised myself. I’ve joined the Mooloolaba Ocean Swimmers group and have even signed up for the Mooloolaba Mile — something I would never have imagined doing a few years ago. The program didn’t just improve my awareness of water safety; it genuinely changed my relationship with the beach.
Watersafe Seniors has helped me feel more connected to the Sunshine Coast community and more confident enjoying what makes this region so special. I strongly support the continuation of this program so that more seniors can build the same confidence, skills and sense of belonging - Nigel
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the Seniors Surf Skills Swimming Program and the incredible experience it provided. The program was not only enjoyable but genuinely empowering, and I am so thankful for the care, knowledge, and encouragement shared throughout.
Learning practical water safety skills alongside how to read and decipher ocean waves was invaluable. The ocean can be unpredictable, and the way the instructors explained wave patterns, currents, and safe decision-making made everything feel approachable and confidence-building. These lessons go far beyond swimming — they offer peace of mind and real-world skills that will stay with me for life.
The instructors’ patience, professionalism, and enthusiasm created a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone felt safe to learn at their own pace. It was inspiring to be part of a program that truly understands the importance of ocean awareness, especially for seniors, and delivers it with such respect and positivity. - Meryl
Personally, I am finding these sessions invaluable. As a mature member of the community, who never had the opportunity to learn to swim, the team are very supportive and give us lots of tips to make the experience so worthwhile. Surf awareness, is making entering the surf, a much more positive experience. - Lynne
Hope you are able to conduct more Watersafe Seniors sessions next season. If so I will be attending & bring some friends. - Robyn