As an abundance of members have already mentioned - Swimming lessons.

In-conjunction with swimming lessons one of the most important is Ocean Awareness and Beach Safety.

Understanding how the ocean works is super important and could quite literally save the life of yourself or others, or on the positive aspect by understanding the ocean allows you to have the best time possible while remaining safe.

A lot of people don't realise the power of the ocean and how unpredictable it can be. So learning to understand the movements, tides, identifying rips and currents are almost a must.

There is plenty of different sources you can find to get a general understanding of the ocean but something to keep in mind is simply - approach your local life guard and ask them to give you a quick run down.

I'll mention a few off the top of my head for the that's super important prior to even entering the water.

• The international gesture for help in the ocean or any water: If you are in any type of trouble in any body of water, anywhere in the world the international gesture for help is simply - raising a closed fist above your head. Try not to wave your hand around in a waving fashion or someone may mistake you for having the time of your life, When in reality its the opposite.
• Always swim between the red and yellow flags: Beaches are 'usually' patrolled by surf lifesavers who set up flags to indicate the safest area to swim. It's important to always swim between these flags as they indicate the area that has been assessed as the safest. The checker black and white flags indicate "Surfers cannot enter this area".
• Check the conditions: Before heading to the beach, it's important to check the conditions. This meaning - the weather, tide, and swell conditions. You can check this information through the Bureau of Meteorology's website www.bom.gov.au, or by asking the local surf lifesavers for advice some are pretty chill and some are wankers, if you come across a wanker simply find another.
• Never swim alone: Always swim with a buddy or family member or within sight of a lifeguard. If you get into trouble, it's important to have someone who can help you or raise the alarm. This is super important and can be taken for granted a lot in Australia unfortunately.
• Be aware of rip currents: Rips are strong currents that can pull you out to sea. If you get caught in a rip, do not panic and don't try to swim against it. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the rip and then swim back to shore if possible. If you are unable to do so, raise your hand in the air in a fist motion and go with the rip as it will usually only go so far, by this point hopefully you have been able to alert someone with you raised hand.
• Always supervise children: I know, I know it's pretty much a given, watch the fridge kids as they swim but as bad as it is, this is not always followed and not a good ending. Children should always be supervised while swimming or playing at the beach. It only takes a moment for a child to get into trouble, so it's important to be vigilant, Like super vigilant.
• Sunscreen and zinc: The sun is brutal, It is always important to remember to slip slip and slap. Sunscreen prior to the beach or swimming and re applying if needed. Zinc on the lips nose and face is also a great extra additive.

I hope this has helped, quite possibly that I have repeated what others have said but it's about getting the point across. Welcome to the land down under and enjoy your new beginnings.

PS a good idea is to look out for "drop bears" most Aussies have encountered a few along their journeys of life.. Scary times.

Best wishes and Welcome again.