Education Programs

LSV is the premier provider of in-water and classroom swimming and water safety programs. Our programs proudly combine RLSA industry leading techniques, with Victoria’s most experienced educators and award-winning resources.

Education Programs

LSV is Victoria's industry leader in fun, innovative and safe water safety education 

Delivered by qualified instructors at schools, community venues, beaches, rivers, lakes and pools across the state — every program is adaptable to engage children and community members of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

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Lifesaving Education Programs

Students line up with surfboards at the beach education program

Beach, river and lake programs

Practical open-water excursions where students learn to plan for, enjoy and stay safe at local waterways. Students learn:

  • Where to swim safely and how to prepare for a visit
  • Identifying and avoiding hazards
  • Survival and rescue strategies
  • CPR and basic emergency response
  • Water safety signage — plus games and fun activities

A one-of-a-kind excursion or end-of-year fun day.

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Children enjoy in the classroom experience- meet a lifeguard

Lifesaving in the Classroom

  • In the classroom - A qualified surf lifesaver comes to you — classroom, hall or gymnasium. Flexible content, dates and times to suit your students, from kindergarten through to scouts and community groups. Sessions cover supervision, reading conditions and safety signs, lifejacket and equipment safety, and what to do in an emergency.
  • The Ripple Effect - has been developed for delivery to students in Years 7-8 and 9-10. The program is designed to be accessible to all secondary schools in Victoria. The delivery of this program will consist of an in-person incursion at your school, taught by LSV educators using engaging, practical and scenario-based learning supported by custom digital resources.  
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Programs for specialist schools

The Bubble — LSV's one-of-a-kind sensory water safety experience: water safety familiarisation in a dry, controlled environment, tailored to each student's sensory needs, abilities and interests.

Beach, river and lake programs — our open-water programs, fully customised for students of all abilities and confidence levels.

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Bush Nippers

Bush Nippers brings the coastal Nippers experience to inland waterways. Designed for children aged 5–14 and suitable for all abilities, this progressive program builds lifesaving skills, survival swimming, rescue techniques and water safety awareness — with plenty of games and race activities. Available at rivers, lakes, beaches and pools, delivered by LSV or an Approved Education Partner.

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Diversity and inclusion programs

Since 2007, LSV has delivered water safety education to over 300,000 Victorians from diverse backgrounds — with a Social Return on Investment of $14.85 for every $1 invested. Every program below is customisable for multicultural communities, seniors and people with disability, and can be delivered wet or dry at a location that suits your group.

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Beach programs

A practical introduction to the beach environment through safe, fun educational games and activities. Qualified instructors mix theory and practice to suit your group's ability, interests and the conditions on the day — covering hazard identification, lifejacket fit, self-rescue and survival techniques.

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Meet a lifeguard

An interactive session with a qualified lifeguard covering the lifeguard's role, waterway awareness, visit preparation, safety signage and rescue techniques — with diverse aquatic role-models front and centre.

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Resuscitate a mate

Hands-on resuscitation training built around DRSABCD — assessing an emergency, performing resuscitation, and handing over to emergency services. Participants leave with skills that could save a life.

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Seniors recreation pool program

Delivered by a qualified pool lifeguard, this session empowers seniors to make safe decisions at their local pool or aquatic facility — held at a location of your choice.

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LSV Approved Education Partners

Deliver LSV programs in your community

Approved Education Partners are licensed by LSV to deliver our Lifesaving Education Programs — including Bush Nippers, open-water experiences and classroom programs — in their local communities, backed by the resources, credibility and support of Victoria's peak water safety body.

We're inviting expressions of interest from organisations across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, with structured support through establishment and onboarding.

Learn about the Approved Partner Program Become an education partner

Why become an Approved Education Partner?

Approved Education Partners join a statewide network working toward a shared goal: reducing drowning and aquatic-related harm. As a partner you receive:

  • Program templates, lesson plans and delivery resources
  • Staff training, professional development and mentoring during establishment
  • Curriculum-aligned content endorsed by Victoria's peak water safety body
  • Promotional support, website presence and referral pathways
  • Guidance on planning, risk management, funding and grants
Explore the Approved Partner Program
Your stories

What our community is saying

  1. For more than 25 years, Roger Abel has built a career around swimming, lifesaving, aquatics and training. What began as a passion for helping people stay safe around water has evolved into a successful business.
    LSV Media
    Read more
  2. For over thirty years, Gail Dimitriadis has played a key role in shaping water safety, making a difference for generations of swimmers, teachers, and professionals in the industry.
    LSV Media
  3. “Once I arrived in Australia, it was a very supportive system to reach my goals and dreams.”
    Valentina Gamarra, The Sands Torquay
  4. "I was honoured to be recognised as Pool Lifeguard of the Year at the recent 2026 ARV Awards Night. I never initially considered a career in the industry, but as I moved into leadership roles, I found a real passion."
    Jack Carrafa, Glen Eira Leisure
  5. “Our students enjoyed being at the river environment to learn about water safety as this is their back yard!”
    Denise Ross, Cobram Special Development School
  6. "We are thrilled with the success of the 2025 Bush Nippers program. All of the young people who participated had a great time as did the staff.”
    Kristal Bourke, Barooga Aquatic and Recreation Centre
  7. “The activities run by staff were very engaging and students learned a lot about themselves and their safety around water as well as looking after others. The activities were excellent, and the students loved the competitiveness. Great staff facilitators.”
    Scott Mackie, Rangebank Primary School
  8. “ILSAR has been a powerful way to launch the patrol season. It gives our members, especially emerging leaders, a stronger understanding of incident response, inter-agency collaboration, and decision-making under pressure. Participants leave the program more confident, more capable, and more deeply engaged in lifesaving.” 
    ILSAR Lead Coordinator, Xavier Korbel
  9. For six weeks, Sydney Brouwer, from Venice Beach, and Megan Seth, from Manhattan Beach, have traded the palm‑lined paths of Los Angeles for the rugged, coastline of Geelong and the Surf Coast.
    LSV Media
  10. Ten years ago, Emma Olivier joined lifesaving, seeking some out-of-the-box support to achieve her training to become a lifesaver as someone with a disability.
    LSV Media
  11. “Every session captivated me. From hearing a Police Crisis Negotiator share insights to participating in a mock committee with experienced members, each part was directly relevant to leadership development.”
    Kai
  12. "I love the variety that lifesaving gives me. From patrolling and helping the community to competing and coaching the nippers, it's all so rewarding."
    Xander M
  13. “Our students thoroughly enjoyed the water-based activities, using the flotation devices to support a rescue and of course the pink rashies.”
    Tim Lappin, Drouin Primary School
  14. "My love for leadership and teaching helped grow my passion and keep me around the club. I quickly went on to have some patrol leadership positions and became vice club captain for two years before becoming Club Captain." 
    Eden McMillan
  15. "As a Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service crew member, it's an incredible feeling to bring this iconic service into the classroom and inspire the next generation"
    Kane Treloar
  16. “We are honoured to receive the President’s Certificate from Life Saving Victoria for our Safely Engaging with Water Program. This award recognises our commitment to promoting water safety and saving lives by empowering our community with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around water.” 
    Dr. Harpreet Singh Kandra
  17. After starting as a Nipper, 21-year-old Jackson Twentyman saw an opportunity to contribute to his club. "My youthful energy often surprises members; many of whom assume I have a great skincare routine rather than realising my actual age!'
    Jackson Twentyman
  18. Two exceptional volunteer members have been recognised for their enduring commitment and transformative impact on the lifesaving community. 
    LSV Media
  19. Venus Bay, known for its stunning yet challenging beaches, is the location for a new trial of life-saving equipment that could save lives.
    LSV's Research & Health Promotion team
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