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Ocean Response

Emergency response training for coastal and marine communities

When an emergency happens on the water, at the beach, or in a remote coastal location, every minute matters. First Minutes Matter Ocean Response gives everyday Australians the confidence and practical skills to respond in an aquatic emergency while professional help is on the way.

Whether you're a boater, fisher, tourism operator, surf club volunteer or beach-loving family, Ocean Response helps you be prepared when it matters most.

Host a workshop

Bring Ocean Response to your school, club or community group.

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Attend a workshop

Join a public session near you and learn alongside other coastal communities.

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What is Ocean Response?

Ocean Response is a specialised community emergency response workshop focused on aquatic and coastal emergencies.

Participants learn how to safely recognise and respond to incidents commonly experienced around beaches, waterways and marine environments, including:
 
  • Drowning and near-drowning incidents
  • Water-related trauma and injuries
  • Boating and fishing emergencies
  • Remote and coastal emergency situations
  • Emergency communication and incident escalation
  • Casualty care while awaiting emergency services
 
The workshop focuses on building confidence, awareness and practical decision-making skills so participants can take action safely during the critical first minutes of an emergency.

Who it's for

  • Coastal community members
  • Recreational boaters
  • Fishers and fishing clubs
  • Surf lifesaving volunteers
  • Water sports participants
  • Tourism and marine tourism operators
  • Charter businesses
  • Caravan park and holiday park operators
  • Beachside businesses
  • Coastal councils and community groups
  • Families who spend time around the water

Why it matters

Australia’s coastal lifestyle brings incredible opportunities, but it also presents unique risks.

For many coastal communities, professional medical assistance may take time to reach an incident, particularly in remote, offshore or regional locations.

During these crucial first minutes, the actions taken by those nearby can make a significant difference.

Ocean Response empowers community members with practical knowledge and confidence, helping create safer, more prepared coastal communities.

As part of LifeFlight’s First Minutes Matter program, Ocean Response supports everyday people to respond with confidence during emergencies while professional care is on the way.

Frequently asked questions 

Ocean Response is a community emergency response workshop designed to build awareness, confidence and practical decision-making skills during aquatic emergencies. It complements, rather than replaces, formal first aid training.

No experience is needed.

Ocean Resposne is designed for everyday people, with simple, practical guidance you can apply in real situations. The focus is on building confidence and capability, not technical expertise.

Absolutely. First Minutes Matter Ocean Response workshops can be delivered for community groups, boating and fishing clubs, surf lifesaving volunteers, tourism operators, schools, workplaces and other organisations connected to coastal and marine environments. The workshop content is designed to be relevant, practical and tailored to the unique risks faced by your group or community.

If you’re interested in hosting a workshop, get in touch with the First Minutes Matter team to discuss your group, location and training needs.

Ocean Response workshops are free to attend, with no cost to participants. Thanks to community and partner support, First Minutes Matter is able to deliver these life-saving workshops to families, carers and communities at no cost, helping more people build the confidence to act when it matters most.

Ocean Response is delivered through LifeFlight's First Minutes Matter community education program.