Children living with autism and other disabilities have been lapping up the opportunity to embrace their inner surfer with the Ocean Heroes team.
A total of 624 kids took to the WA coast last year as part of Ocean Heroes’ surfing on the spectrum initiative — with the group supplying boards, life jackets and wetsuits.
As a Telethon beneficiary for 2024, Ocean Heroes is set to continue helping children across WA to build resilience as they develop a new skill.
Kate Hillard — who lives in Broome — said the Ocean Heroes team had given her daughter Leila, who has cystic fibrosis, a new wave of confidence.
“Having such an amazing team supporting the kids and families, it just really changed the way I see the world,” Ms Hillard said.
“She was in the water for 45 minutes but convinced all of the teachers to keep her staying out longer, they were fantastic and were so accommodating.
“They brought the best out of the kids, including those with sensory issues.”
While young Leila is not Ocean Heroes’ primary target audience, the program has been an engaging substitute for routine exercise that would usually help clear her lungs.
“Normally we’d do an hour of physio every day, but with surfing, they have found that the inhalation of salt air, and that sort of physical activity has been so beneficial in strengthening the lungs,” Ms Hillard said.
“Each time she goes surfing she gets a certificate, now she has a wall covered in them.”
For more information visit the Ocean Heroes website: https://oceanheroes.com.au/