Community Programs & Schools
Community programs
Building water safety skills across the NT
Surf Life Saving Northern Territory delivers a range of community programs designed to develop water safety and lifesaving skills across all ages and backgrounds.
From introductory sessions for young children to practical water safety programs for school groups and community organisations, our programs are built around real skills that save real lives. We deliver in partnership with schools, local organisations, and community events to make sure these messages reach the people who need them most.
Our programs
Little Lifesavers
Little Lifesavers is an introductory water safety program designed for young children. It provides a fun, supportive environment where participants begin developing essential lifesaving skills and confidence in and around the water.
Through age-appropriate activities and games, children are introduced to basic safety concepts such as recognising hazards, understanding safe behaviours, and responding in an emergency. The program focuses on building familiarity with aquatic environments while encouraging teamwork, communication, and active participation.
Little Lifesavers also acts as a pathway into junior surf lifesaving programs, helping children transition into club Nipper programs. This program typically ran through March - May as a 6 week block.
Surf and Survive
Surf and Survive is a program focuses on practical water safety and first aid skills. This is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to stay safe in and around aquatic environments.
The program combines theory and hands-on learning to teach essential skills such as recognising hazards, safe entry and exit techniques, basic rescue principles, and emergency response strategies. Participants also develop confidence in the water through guided activities tailored to their age, experience, and ability level.
Surf & Survive is suitable for a wide range of participants, including school groups, community organisations, making it a flexible and accessible option for improving water safety awareness across the Northern Territory.
This program is a school holiday based program however can be adapted and tailored to suit different organisations needs.
Beyond the Shores
Run in collaboration with Sailing Australia and the Darwin Sailing Club, the super popular Surf & Sail program introduces participants to the fundamentals of both surf lifesaving and sailing in a safe and supportive environment.
Combining water safety education with practical skill development, the program provides participants with hands-on experience in basic surf awareness, rescue techniques, and introductory sailing skills. Activities are designed to build confidence in and around the water.
Suitable for a range of ages and experience levels, Surf & Sail offers a unique opportunity to explore different aquatic activities while reinforcing essential safety principles.
Schools & Communities
Partner with us
We're passionate about giving students and young people the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around the water — and we'd love to work with your school to make that happen.
We offer a range of flexible programs designed for NT schools across all year levels, from early primary through to secondary. Our programs can be delivered in-class, in aquatic settings, or as a combination of both — and our team will work with you to tailor delivery to your school's location, timetable, and learning outcomes.
All programs are designed to complement existing curriculum frameworks and can be adapted to suit different group sizes and experience levels.
Interested in bringing water safety education to your school? Get in touch and we'll help you find the right fit.
