The "I'll Ride With You" movement took over social media this week, a show of solidarity for Muslims who feared retribution in the wake of the Sydney siege.
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A team of water safety educators hopes its "I'll Surf With You" tagline picks up as much steam.
A group of 11 Muslim women took to Sandon Point Beach on Wednesday for a safety program run by Surf Educators International and Welcome To Australia.
Afghan, Iraqi and Indonesian women learnt about rips and safe swimming, but Kathleen Bleakley of Illawarra Multicultural Services said the program had taken on new meaning after recent events.
"At a time like this, it's important to choose unity over division," she said. "It's about fun, but also helping people appreciate beach culture. It is such an important part of Australia, and it's good to welcome these women and have them be part of that."
Clara Saddi, of Welcome to Australia, said the program was trying to push the "I'll Surf With You" line as a way of encouraging Australians to interact and embrace those with foreign backgrounds.
"It's so easy to ask someone to the beach, and so rewarding to share that with someone," she said.
Husna Alatat arrived in Australia from Indonesia two years ago. She had swimming experience from home, but said Wednesday's program gave her a new appreciation of Australia's beach culture.
"I used to swim, but I got some information about things like swimming in the flags," she said.
"It has given me more confidence and knowledge."
