APOLA President Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins announced as SwimSAFER ambassador

Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins, President of the Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) and Head of lifeguarding services for Sydney’s Waverley Council, has been announced as the official ambassador for SwimSAFER Week 2024.

With drowning deaths rising on Australian beaches, SWIM Australia has established a crucial new partnership in collaboration with Hopkins and his water safety initiative, Float to Survive Australia to emphasise the importance of learning to swim and mastering the life-saving skill of floating before heading out to any waterway this summer.

The collaboration comes at a critical time, as Royal Life Saving Society- Australia’s latest National Drowning Report reveals a 45% increase in drowning deaths at beaches compared to the 10-year average, with rip currents being a major contributing factor in over 35% of these tragedies*.

Brendon Ward, Chief Executive of SWIM Group, the industry peak body responsible for SwimSAFER Week, explained "February alone saw more deaths on our beaches than the average, marking a truly tragic year for beach safety in Australia.

"Learning to swim and floating go hand-in-hand; you can’t do one without mastering the other and we know being able to float provides crucial time that enables people to be saved in a water emergency.”

Hopkins who has seen firsthand the devastation caused by drownings during his 30+ year career, is passionate about the campaign’s mission, stating “every year, we see too many lives lost in the water be it in the ocean, lake or pool, and it breaks my heart.

“The ability to float can make all the difference when someone is caught in a rip or struggling in the water. This partnership with SWIMSAFER Week aligns with my survival message ‘Float to Survive’ and is about giving people the knowledge and skills they need, I am very excited to be involved this year.”

Hundreds of swim schools across the country will participate, hosting special float clinics as part of SWIMSAFER Week.

SWIM Australia is the home and voice for the nation’s coaches, teachers and swim schools.

Float to Survive Australia is committed to teaching essential water safety skills, with a particular focus on floating. Understanding the critical importance of this skill, Float to Survive works tirelessly to educate the public and equip individuals with the knowledge needed to stay safe in aquatic environments.

SwimSAFER Week 2024 runs from 18th to 24th November.

Click here for more information.

Image: Brendon Ward, Chief Executive of SWIM Group (left) with Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins.

*National Drowning Report 2024 Royal Lifesaving Society Australia.