For tens of thousands of years, Australian Indigenous peoples have lived in harmony with the ocean. As Saltwater People, many coastal Anfndddoriginal communities developed sophisticated knowledge of the tides, surf, marine life, and seasonal changes. To these communities the ocean wasn’t just a source of food or travel – it was a place of ceremony, connection, survival, and identity.
Long before modern lifeguards patrolled beaches, First Nations people were already swimming, fishing, diving, surfing waves on bark canoes and wooden boards, and teaching their children about water safety. Water activities were not merely recreational, they were woven into spiritual practices and daily life. Surfing, known in some Aboriginal languages as yardngu, was a cultural expression and a way to connect deeply with land and sea.
First Nations Lifeguards is a proudly Indigenous-owned and led organisation empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through culturally grounded water safety education, ocean skills training, and coastal leadership development.
We reconnect Indigenous communities - especially young people - with the ocean, building confidence, safety knowledge, fitness, and pride. We do this while honouring the ancient relationship our people have with saltwater and continuing traditions that date back millennia.
Our programs don’t just teach swimming or surf rescue. They revive and reclaim cultural practices, foster leadership, and create strong, culturally safe pathways into lifeguarding and surf-based careers.
First Nations Lifeguards was founded by Brook Silvester, a surfer and waterman for over four decades. A proud indigenous Australian and Lost Generation survivor, Brook is passionate about creating pathways for indigenous youth.
Brook’s career highlights spans professions that require absolute mastery in water and ocean conditions, including ocean cinematographer, decorated competitive surfer, and water safety lifeguard. After years of experience in coastal safety, Brook saw a need to bridge the gap between cultural identity and professional water safety pathways.
Starting as a grassroots initiative, First Nations Lifeguards aims to one day grow into a leading force for Indigenous surf culture revival, youth engagement, and coastal protection.
FNL programs are built by community, for community, and delivered with cultural integrity and local leadership.
Donate
Help fund vital equipment, training, and access for indigenous communities
Join
Whether you're a school, youth organisation, or individual, we are developing additional water programs across various topics
Partner
We aim to collaborate with councils, surf clubs, health organisations, schools, and more
Stay connected via our social media and community events
Contact
Are you a talented indigenous waterperson with ocean knowledge and/or certification? Become a mentor, coach, or cultural educator
First Nations Lifeguards represents more than just water safety; it is a movement dedicated to reconnecting our communities with the ocean, empowering the next generation, and ensuring that Indigenous voices take the lead in Australia’s surf culture and coastal protection.
For program inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact us.
