Australian beaches are among the most dangerous in the world, and new arrivals are often caught out.
Over the last year, 61 people drowned, and according to Surf Life-Saving Australia more than 34% of them had an overseas background. But initiatives around the country are helping new Australians to get safely in and out of the water.
Mira Nikolic arrived four years ago from Serbia and is taking part in Bondi's 'Migration to Surf' program.
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"I never used to learn to swim before this is my first time, I think if I've decided to live here, I think I have to," says Ms Nikolic.
Associate Surf Club member Patricia Jenkings says the program recognises the growing diversity of Australia 's communities.
"We want to embrace them, they're coming from a different culture and we want them to say hey, the doors open, come-in you're one of us," says Ms Jenkings.
