Bondi Rescue’s Hoppo Hopkins named Swimsafer ambassador

Celebrity lifeguard and star of Bondi Rescue, Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins, has been announced as the official ambassador for Swimsafer Week, running this year from November 18 to 24.

Additionally, in response to data showing a significant rise in drowning deaths at Australian beaches, Swim Australia has established a new partnership in collaboration with Hopkins and his water safety initiative, Float to Survive Australia, to emphasise the importance of learning to swim and mastering the life-saving skill of floating before heading out to any waterway this summer.

The collaboration comes at a critical time, as Royal Life Saving Australia’s latest National Drowning Report reveals a 45 per cent increase in drowning deaths at beaches compared to the 10-year average, with rip currents being a major contributing factor in more than 35 per cent of these tragedies.

“February alone saw more deaths on our beaches than the average, marking a truly tragic year for beach safety in Australia,” says Brendon Ward, CEO of Swim Group, the industry organisation responsible for Swimsafer Week.

“Learning to swim and floating go hand-in-hand; you can’t do one without mastering the other and we know being able to float provides crucial time that enables people to be saved in a water emergency.”

Hopkins has seen firsthand the devastation caused by drownings during his 30+ year career, and is passionate about the campaign’s mission.

“Every year, we see too many lives lost in the water be it in the ocean, lake or pool, and it breaks my heart,” he says. “The ability to float can make all the difference when someone is caught in a rip or struggling in the water. This partnership with Swimsafer Week aligns with my survival message ‘Float to Survive’ and is about giving people the knowledge and skills they need, I am very excited to be involved this year.”

Hundreds of swim schools across the country will participate, hosting special float clinics as part of Swimsafer Week. 

IMAGE: Brendon Ward and Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins. (Supplied, Swim Group)