APOLA President Bruce Hopkins highlights value of Float To Survive initiative for/on World Drowning Prevention Day

In alignment with World Drowning Prevention Day on 25th July 2025, Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins, renowned Bondi Rescue Head Lifeguard and President of the Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA), and Float to Survive Australia have set out to elevate awareness on life-saving floating techniques aiming to reduce drowning incidents across Australia.

Lifeguarding Bondi Beach since 1991 and head of Waverley lifeguards, Hoppo has rescued thousands of people and helped shape national water‑safety policy through Surf Educators International and APOLA leadership.

Float to Survive emphasises a simple but powerful technique: stop panicking, lean back, breathe gently, and float - buying crucial time until help arrives.

In November 2024, Hoppo fronted GOswim lessons at 80 venues nationwide, embedding five minutes of floating training into 250,000 lessons, reaching 60,000+ students. The campaign improved water‑safety knowledge and open-water confidence by 20%.

Hopkins explained "when people get into trouble in the water, their first instinct is to panic. But the most important thing you can do is stop, calm down, and float.

"Learning to float can buy you time, save your energy, and give rescuers a chance to get to you."

This World Drowning Prevention Day, Hoppo and Float to Survive are calling on schools, parents, and community leaders to help spread this message and teach floating as a core water safety skill.

In advance of last summer, Float to Survive received the backing of Her Excellency, The Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor General of Australia.

Hopkins welcomed the Governor General to Bondi Beach to demonstrate the floating technique in a rip.

After the demonstration, the Governor-General stated "it was a pleasure to meet Hoppo and his incredible team. 'Float to Survive' is a wonderful initiative and an important message to everyone heading into the water this summer.

"Hoppo's initiative is such a powerful act of care and kindness - and will save lives."

Image: Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins (centre) promoting Float To Survive at Bondi Beach.