Over 200 new international Victoria University students were given a safe introduction to Australian beach culture with a trip to Williamstown beach in March 2011.
The "Big Beach Day Out" began with lunch followed by a brief presentation on beach and water safety, before students participated in a series of activities in and out of the water.
The all-day event gave students the opportunity to learn the basics of beach and water safety including what to do in a rip, calling for help, swimming between the flags, and avoiding the effects of the Australian sun.
The event was organised by the Rootvij Kadakia Foundation, in conjunction with Victoria University's International Student Support team and Life Saving Victoria.
Founding member Mounil Kadakia established the foundation following the tragic death of his brother Rootvij in 2009. Since then, the foundation has been working tirelessly to promote water safety for all international students studying in Australia. This is the second year the University has participated in this event, with another 'Big Beach Day Out' potentially running in 2012.
This event is part of a raft of safety initiatives instigated by the University that complements the efforts of the national Think Before campaign, aimed at ensuring international students stay safe while completing their studies in Australia.
