Jesse Polock from television’s Bondi Rescue, helped a team of Illawarra locals teach the group of 5 to 17-year-olds beach safety, including learning to dive, what to do in a rip, and how to strengthen their swimming skills.

Youth Co-ordinator of Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre Trish Gillard said: ‘‘One reason we’re doing this program is I don’t want to hear that one of the kids who comes to the centre has drowned.

‘‘We wanted this to be accessible to all, we didn’t want any barriers because we know that swimming lessons are expensive – so it’s free and we want it to stay that way.’’

Several local organisations covered the costs associated with this round of the program, and it is hoped to put on another two sessions later in the year, also reaching out to refugees and children with disabilities.

Surf lifesavers performed more than 5000 rescues each year, and any help to reduce that was welcome, Surf Life Saving NSW education officer Stacey Pidgeon said.

‘‘It’s another opportunity to increase the surf awareness and surf knowledge of kids ... which maybe some children wouldn’t otherwise get.’’