The Same Wave program partners people with special needs to lifesavers and other volunteers for a safe and supported beach experience.

After two pilot sessions last year, Bermagui SLSC president Bruce McAslan said volunteers feel confident to dive into the program. 

“Before the trials, a lot of the volunteers thought that working with people with disabilities was beyond their capabilities,” he said.

​“But afterwards they’d say, ‘I didn’t think I could do that’, they’ve learnt so much about our Same Wavers and themselves.’

Same Wave has recruited Nippers program and Bermagui Primary School pupils into the volunteer team. 

“It’s incredible to see kids of the same age working with each other, they learn the limitations and how to work around them together.” Mr McAslan said.

“For our Nippers, it’s a really good way for them to learn about a range of disabilities, so they are not intimidated just because something or someone is different.”

While some participants like to swim, others prefer to play on the beach or explore the club house. 

“On a rainy day we ended up playing with the CPR dolls and looking through all the stuff in the first aid box,” Bermagui SLSC secretary Cheryl McCarthy said.

“We also had an awesome time playing with the radios, there are so many things we’ve got to explore. It shows them what we do so they can learn about our work.”

Mr McAslan said some Same Wave participants surprised both the lifeguards and their parents.

“One mum said her kid never went swimming, but after a while he jumped in the water, and she couldn’t believe he was in there for most of the session,” he said.

A grant from the Mumbulla Foundation in December allowed Bermagui SLSC to purchase new equipment for the program, including floating boards, child-size life jackets and a beach-accessible wheelchair.

The Same Wave program begins Saturday, February 3.