The unique skills of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) are about to be launched into developing nations throughout Asia.
A new global social responsibility program devised by SLSA in collaboration with logistics company DHL aims to enhance the rescue skills of lifesavers overseas, teaching them how to respond in a rescue situation.
India will be the first country to participate in the program, which allows four Indian lifesavers to come to Australia for intensive training and experience exchange with their Australian colleagues.
Another part of the program will see a representative from SLSA Tasmania visit India to set up permanent surf clubs in the Goa region.
"Training participants as professional lifesavers enables them to take the skills and knowledge back to their country to train more up and coming lifesavers," says Gary Edstein, senior vice-president of DHL Express Oceania.
Brett Williamson, CEO of SLSA, says there are plans to provide training and assistance through the program to markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
