THE concept of life saving and water safety go hand in hand with Australian culture, but in places such as India, this isn't always the case.
However, there is potential for this to change, thanks to actions of trailblazers such as Niroop and Satya.
The two Indian nationals, who recently completed their surf bronze in Coogee, NSW, are completing a two-week tour of Tasmania in order to bolster their coaching and water safety experience.
Ceri Weeks, AUSTSWIM presenter and Indian correspondent, worked with both men back in India in 2013, and believes their trip to Australia will greatly improve their abilities to make a difference back home.
"They are really keen to keep developing Indian swimming, they have taken it upon themselves.
"The idea of them coming down here (Tasmania) is to gain some more teaching experience, view some of the programs that we have here, both large and small," Weeks said.
After working with surf lifesaver Doug Hawkins in Coogee, the two have begun work with the South Esk swimming club and Launceston aquatic club, as well as the Launceston swim school.
After that, Niroop and Satya will travel to Hobart, and then to the east coast, to experience different conditions and teaching methods.
"These guys have instigated a nippers club over in India, but they need some more guidance.
"Doug Hawkins has been once before and given them some guidance, but it's better for them to come here and see how it's done in practice, then they can gain that experience and take that back."
Already establishing a surf lifesaving presence in Bangalore, developing skills is only half the battle.
Creating a culture in which surf lifesaving and water safety are respected, as well as raising traditional standards, are the next big steps, according to Weeks.
"They are getting the opportunities to see how things can be done differently, so that they can try to change the culture about how things are done.
"Even me running courses over there, I noticed that it's nearly all men, and coming here, they've noticed that there are lifeguards, life savers and coaches that are women.
"It's not a very well respected industry over there, and not many people want to do it, because it's a poorly paid job.
"The other thing they noticed was the standard, just doing the bronze course, they said it was really hard, its just hard compared to the standard over there," Weeks said.
Among her many responsibilities, Weeks runs Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety courses and also trains presenters.
With five AUSTSWIM recognised schools already operating in India, the next initiative is to create greater flow and access between India and Australia.
"We are looking at, getting AUSTSWIM teachers and presenters to volunteer over there (India), and get some exchanges going.
"We want to be welcoming presenters over from India, and vice versa, there could be any number of Australian teachers that are happy to volunteer and go over, that's something we really want to get going," Weeks said.
For now though, Weeks is enjoying showing Niroop and Satya what Tasmania has to offer, relishing the opportunity to host those who she previously taught.
"It was great for me to be able to experience their country, and it's great to be able to have them here, because they really want to come.
It's nice for me because they want to come and to see me, and to have that two way communication."
By MICHAEL DI PETTA
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