Sea Turtles Inclusive Program

North Cronulla Sea Turtles

The North Cronulla Sea Turtles are a pioneering inclusive team within the North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, made up of differently-abled lifesavers. Formed at the beginning of the 2018/2019 Surf Life Saving Season, the Sea Turtles embody the club’s unwavering values of inclusion, courage, and determination.

What began with one young athlete’s dream has grown into a movement that champions access, opportunity, and success in surf sports for all.

Key Highlights

Inclusive Program: The Sea Turtles provide life-saving and surf sport opportunities for members with different abilities in a supportive and empowering environment.
Symbolism: The sea turtle emblem worn by members represents resilience, strength, and the possibilities that come with inclusion.
Active Participation: Sea Turtle members train, compete, and patrol the beach side-by-side with their fellow club members.

🌊 Who Are We?

The North Cronulla Sea Turtles are an inclusive team of differently-abled lifesavers within the North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, formed at the start of the 2018/2019 season. We stand for courage, community, and inclusion, and we're proud to represent the spirit of surf lifesaving—for everyone.

💡 What We Do

✅ Inclusive lifesaving and surf sport training
✅ Participation in beach patrols
✅ Competition in local, state, and now national events
✅ Building confidence, skills, and friendships

🌟 Key Highlights

Symbol of Strength: The sea turtle on our uniform represents resilience, inclusion, and possibility.
Competitive Success: Gold medalists in beach flags, surf races, and more!
Side-by-Side Participation: Sea Turtles train and patrol alongside their clubmates.
Recognition: Celebrated by Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) and SLS Australia.

📜 Our Story – How It All Began

In 2018, our very own Aden Clarke, a young member with Down syndrome, wanted to compete at the State Titles but was ineligible. His determination sparked a movement. Working with clubs, families, and officials, SLSNSW launched Inclusive Events in 2019, paving the way for today's Inclusive State Championships.

🏁 The Inclusive Championships

✔ Started in 2019 by SLSNSW
✔ Events include: Beach sprints, flags, board races, surf swims
✔ Tailored to athletes’ individual capabilities
✔ A supportive, competitive platform for all

🔗 Learn more:
www.surflifesaving.com.au

Taking It National – Adaptive Aussies

In 2024, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) introduced the Adaptive Championships at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships ("The Aussies") — thanks to momentum started by clubs like North Cronulla.

Features:

Events: Beach sprints, flags, surf swims & wading
Categories: Youth, Open, Masters
Handler support available
Part of the national Breaking Barriers inclusion project

❤️ Why It Matters

Every wave, race, and patrol shows that surf lifesaving is for everyone. The North Cronulla Sea Turtles prove that with the right support, every member can shine.