Inclusive Volunteer Radio Operators Course

Name: Inclusive Volunteer Radio Operators Course
Start: 2026-01-25T11:00:00+11:00
End: 2026-01-25T11:00:00+11:00
Location: Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club

About

Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club is inviting expressions of interest from blind and low-vision Australians across the Illawarra, Southern Sydney, and South West Sydney to take part in a new, inclusive pathway into surf lifesaving—as Volunteer Radio Operators.

The Radio Operators Course will commence on Sunday 25 January 2026, running from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Coalcliff Beach. The course is free, with supported transport options available from Sydney and the Illawarra.

This initiative extends Coalcliff SLSC’s award-winning Dreams Take Flight Community Program, enabling blind and low-vision participants to play a vital role in beach safety while remaining shore-based. Radio operators are central to every patrol—managing communications, logging incidents, and coordinating responses between patrol teams and emergency services.

Originally founded in the 2020/21 season to empower disadvantaged youth, Dreams Take Flight has grown over five years to support students from multiple schools across South West Sydney. For the 2025/26 patrol season, the program is proudly expanding to include blind and low-vision Australians, strengthening inclusion within surf lifesaving and local beach communities.

The program includes:

Online theory, completed at home or in group sessions

Two practical workshops, 90 minutes each at Coalcliff SLSC

Skills assessment, leading to the Surf Life Saving Radio Operators Certificate

Transport coordination and up to ten funded surf club memberships are supported through Cocky Guides.

Are you blind or low-vision—or know someone who is—who wants to contribute to beach safety while staying dry?

Expressions of interest are now open. Book your spot today!