Lifesavers with Pride (LWP) is launching the Proud Beaches Scholarship to promote Surf Life Saving as somewhere that LGBTIQ people can feel welcome, safe and valued.

The Proud Beaches Scholarship aims to help encourage more LGBTIQ people to join their local surf club by removing the financial barrier to becoming a lifesaver.

Anyone over 13 can apply for the scholarship to cover their training costs, for either the Surf Rescue Certificates or the Bronze Medallion for people over 15. LWP welcomes applications from around Australia regardless of gender, culture or physical ability. People outside the LGBTIQ community are also welcome to apply to demonstrate why they should be a recipient.

The Australian beach season operates from October to April in the south and May to September in the northern tropics, so applications are always welcome.

LWP President Gary Driscoll says “Lifesaving is a welcoming, progressive and inclusive organisation, and we encourage the LGBTIQ community to join. Completing the Bronze Medallion course is the first step towards patrolling the beach, and we are keen to ensure cost isn’t a barrier to LGBTIQ recruits becoming qualified lifesavers.”

Applicants should contact their local surf club to find out when courses begin, and how to enrol. Then the candidate can apply for the scholarship, or clubs can nominate members to receive it.

More Information here: https://www.lifesaverswithpride.com.au/scholarship