Calls for more diverse surf lifesavers to reflect ‘true Australia’

Surf lifesaving is one of those iconic Australian pastimes, but Surf Life Saving Australia says it’s not just for the stereotypical Aussie. The organisation is trying to encourage people from all cultures and backgrounds to learn what it’s all about.

Bondi Beach in Sydney. Source: AAP

Surf Life Saving Australia's new campaign, ‘The Ocean Doesn't Discriminate’, is two-fold: it aims to show off the diversity of the organisation, while doubling as a call-out to try and attract more culturally diverse members.

The advertisement's star, Monica Wilkie, has been surf lifesaving for 15 years and is currently a member of Mermaid Beach Surf Club on Queensland's Gold Coast.

Surf lifesaver Monica Wilkie. Source: SBS News

“I joined surf lifesaving when my dad decided he wanted to have his kids learn some vital surf lifesaving skills and be part of the coastal lifestyle,” the 25-year-old told SBS News.

“I'm thrilled to be part of a movement towards encouraging diversity in surf lifesaving, and welcoming people from all walks of life and ethnic and cultural backgrounds.”

Jack Byrne, a nine-year-old from Sydney's northern beaches, also stars in the campaign.

For the last two years, he's been involved in the junior lifesaving program Nippers, which is geared towards children aged five to 13.

“I like the waves. They're just awesome. I like catching waves. The beach is nice,” he said.

Jack Byrne, one of the Nippers from Sydney's Northern Beaches. Source: SBS News

The campaign isn't only about demonstrating Surf Life Saving Australia's diversity. It's a chance for people like Monica Wilkie and Jack Byrne to express their love of the sand and surf, and – they hope – to encourage others to join them.

It won the SBS Diversity Works Challenge, an initiative designed to encourage the Australian advertising industry to think about diversity.

“Ultimately what we loved about it was it really reflected the true Australia, and talked to all Australians,” SBS Director of Media Sales Andrew Cook said.

Surf Life Saving Australia's CEO Melissa King sees the campaign as a huge opportunity for the organisation.

“We have a wonderful gender balance: 50/50 male/female. We’re a young healthy organisation that really wants everybody to feel they're part of the organisation,” Ms King said.

"We've always been an open and inclusive organisation, but this gives us the opportunity to talk to the wider community, to invite them to join surf lifesaving.”