Water safety

Spending time at the pool or beach is part of our Australian lifestyle that you can enjoy while here in Queensland. Swimming and playing in or near the water is fun but you must always be cautious and aware of your own safety.

Water skills assessment

Education Queensland International (EQI) cares about your wellbeing and has partnered with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) to assess how comfortable you are around water before you dive into a swimming pool or visit the beach.

The water skills assessment is to give you the opportunity to show us your basic water skills in a swimming pool. You will need to demonstrate how well you can float, tread water as well as swimming safely to the edge of the pool using any swimming stroke.

EQI has also engaged SLSQ to deliver a practical beach safe activity that combines dry and water-based activities. This activity is fun and interactive and is a great way to learn important information about sun, surf and beach safety, whilst also increasing your skills and confidence in the water and on the beach.

EQI considers your safety our top priority and as outlined in the International Student Programs standard terms and conditions, water activities are a high-risk so you must successfully complete the water skills assessment before you can take part in any water related activities while living in homestay here in Queensland. This is outlined in the non-routine travel and activities for homestay students – subclass 500 (schools) visa procedure.

You will of course, need permission from your parents to take part in the water skills assessment.

EQI water skills assessment and beach awareness events

In collaboration with Queensland Surf Life Saving, Education Queensland International facilitates water skills assessments and beach awareness sessions of high school students throughout the academic year. If you are interested in participating, contact the international support staff at your school.

Students must come to events with:

• water-resistant sunscreen (applied before commencement of activities)
  
• hat
  
• water bottle
• sun safe and beach appropriate clothing (that allows student to get wet).

Terms and conditions

• Individual signed International Student Programs travel and activities request form (PDF, 430KB) must be provided to Education Queensland International (EQInternational@qed.qld.gov.au).
  
• Individual student registration through the EQI Ivvy event management system.
  
• Supervision provided by proficient lifesavers including a supervisor.
• The EQI water assessment and beach awareness training program is free of charge.
  
• The cost of the program is covered by our partner Allianz Care Australia.
  
• Only students who demonstrate their abilities in all evaluated items are eligible to participate water activities.

For more information please contact EQI EQInternational@qed.qld.gov.au or the relevant school where the student is enrolled.​