About this episode

Brook and Zane Silvester discuss creating pathways into water safety for Indigenous youth on Australia's Gold Coast.

Episode Notes ** Eyes for Lives: Building the Next Generation of First Nations Lifeguards What if one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning is not a new rescue technique, but helping people reconnect with culture, community, and the ocean? In this episode of Deep Dive Into Water Safety, Bundjalung Saltwater People Brook Silvester and his son Zane join the program to discuss the work they are doing to create new pathways into water safety for Indigenous youth on Australia's Gold Coast. Among many coastal First Nations communities in Australia, Saltwater People are those whose identity, culture, stories, food sources, travel routes, and responsibilities are closely tied to the sea and waterways. Knowledge of currents, tides, weather, fishing grounds, and safe movement through the water has traditionally been passed from one generation to the next. Brook is the founder of First Nations Lifeguards and Bombora Surf School. He brings more than four decades of experience in and around the ocean as a surfer, water cinematographer, surf coach, and lifeguard. Many people will also recognize Brook's work behind the camera on Bondi Rescue, where he spent more than 11 years filming…

People in this episode

Guests: Brook Silvester, Zane Silvester

Topics covered

• water safety
• Indigenous youth
• drowning prevention
• cultural connection
• lifeguarding
• ocean education

Keywords

• water safety
• Indigenous youth
• drowning prevention
• lifeguards
• ocean culture
• Gold Coast
• First Nations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: First Nations Lifeguards, Bombora Surf School, Bondi Rescue

Places: Australia, Gold Coast, coastal First Nations communities, sea and waterways

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