NCSLSC Sea Lions Program
SLSWA Community Education Program of the Year in 2023 and 2025
Surf Life Saving Australia
Awards of Excellence 2023 Winner
About the Program
The North Cottesloe SLSC Sea Lions Program aims to actively engage teens with disability in surf life saving, through the development of surf skills and awareness. Since our first season in 2021, the program has grown into a strong and connected community welcoming participants (12 years and up) with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, whether you're a regular beach goer or relatively new to the surf.
With our team of dedicated and passionate volunteer lifesavers, participants will have the support they need to build confidence on the beach and in the water. Program leaders come from a range of vocational backgrounds including paediatric health professionals, nurses, teachers and lifeguards. Participants are buddied up with a NCSLSC 'mentor' and are encouraged and assisted so that everyone has the opportunity to access the ocean in a safe and enjoyable way as well as fostering meaningful relationships and social connection.
Across the program, participants will have the opportunity to learn valuable water safety and surf lifesaving skills, ocean swim and board paddle, and work together with other participants to develop positive relationships - all whilst enjoying the beautiful North Cottesloe Beach. This season, the Sea lions will participate in ski paddling and surf boat sessions as well as fun with the IRB's and jet ski's once again.
Whilst the Sea Lions are completing the awesome activities mentioned above, families regularly catch up for a coffee and enjoy a swim together. We have created the most amazing community and we really look forward to welcoming you down to be apart of it!
Places are strictly limited, so please contact us if you would like more information. A friendly reminder this program is run entirely by volunteers - the team will endeavour to respond to you at their earliest convenience.
Eliza’s Story
Eliza, a year 11 student, and her family were seeking something more meaningful than more mainstream options available for inclusive youth programs. Fortunately, her family discovered a unique opportunity – connecting with sea lions. This extraordinary experience has not only transformed Eliza's life but also brought joy to her entire family.
The program has had a significant impact on Eliza's confidence, coordination, and gross motor skills. However, it's the invaluable social aspect that truly stands out. Eliza and her fellow program participants have formed strong bonds with their buddies, like Matilda, who guide the program.
2026 Season Program Dates
Session 1: Friday 30th Jan 5:30-7pm (Introductions and Get To Know You!)
Session 2: Sunday 1st February 9:30-10:45am
Session 3: Sunday 8th February 9:30-10:45am
Session 4: Sunday 15th February 9:30-10:45am
Session 5: Sunday 22nd February 9:30-10:45am
Session 6: Sunday 8th March 9:30-10:45am
Session 7: Sunday 15th March 9:30-10:45am
Session 8: Sunday 22nd March 9:30-10:45am
Across the program, participants will have the opportunity to learn valuable water safety skills whilst swimming and board paddling, work together with other teens and keep mentally and physically active, all while enjoying beautiful North Cottesloe Beach. We will be having some ski paddling and surf boat sessions as well as fun with the IRB's and jet ski's once again.
This year we are also going to have 3 'Intro to Patrol' sessions. Sea Lions will join a patrol group with one of our mentors and will be supported in completing some patrol based activities.
Patrol session 1: Saturday 15th November 9-11am
Patrol session 2: Saturday 6th December 9-11am
Patrol session 3: Saturday 13th December 9-11am