Autism Swim’s Dippers program launches at Queenscliff: Inclusive Beach & Ocean Safety
Queenscliff Beach will welcome Autism Swim’s Dippers program for the first time in 2026, bringing inclusive beach and ocean safety education to the local community in partnership with Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club and supported by Autism Swim–trained volunteers and clinicians.
Dippers is offered free of charge, supported by community sponsors, grants and partnerships.
As Australia enters peak summer, demand for safe and accessible beach environments is at its highest.
Children on the autism spectrum are significantly overrepresented in drowning statistics, with research showing they are up to 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers.
Dippers was created to respond to this risk by providing inclusive, community-based beach and ocean safety education in real coastal settings.
Now in its tenth year nationally, the Dippers program has become a recognised example of how inclusive practice can be delivered in community aquatic programs.
Dippers was also created to ensure neurodivergent participants and those with diverse support needs can access the same opportunities offered through community beach and ocean safety programs, in a way that feels safe, achievable and supportive.
“Queenscliff is a much-loved local beach with a strong community focus, and we’re proud to be bringing Dippers to Queenscliff for the first time in partnership with the Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club,” said Antoinette Spear, General Manager of Autism Swim.
“The program helps ensure more people can safely access and enjoy the ocean, while building confidence, connection and essential beach safety skills in ways that work for them.”
Dippers at Queenscliff will commence in early February 2026.
Proven outcomes with local impact
Autism Swim’s most recent annual reporting highlights the impact of the Dippers program. In the 2025 season, Dippers supported 68 participants, delivered 39 sessions, and engaged 185 trained volunteers across multiple locations. Family feedback indicated that 95 per cent of participants achieved their individual goals, with the program receiving an overall rating of 9.75 out of 10.
Free access, powered by community support
To remove financial barriers, Dippers is offered free of charge to participants. The program is supported by community sponsors including Coastline Bank, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Westfield Local Heroes, Australian Turf Club Foundation, The Port Plate Golf Event, City West Eye Specialist, Uplift Northern Beaches, and Perouse Dental, along with grants and partnerships that help ensure families can access inclusive beach and ocean safety education regardless of financial circumstances.
In addition to Queenscliff, Dippers will run across multiple locations in NSW this summer, with plans to expand to additional coastal communities across Australia.
About Autism Swim
Founded in 2016 by Senior Behaviour Specialist Erika Gleeson, who was recently awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), Autism Swim is a charity providing education, awareness and resources to parents, aquatic providers and allied health professionals.
Autism Swim works nationally and internationally to reduce drowning risk and increase safe access to aquatic environments for neurodivergent individuals and those with diverse support needs.
Through education, community programs and partnerships, Autism Swim supports inclusive aquatic practice and helps build safer, more accessible aquatic environments for everyone.
For more information, visit www.autismswim.com.au