Talks

+ Is there a cost?

Yes, please contact SOS for more information about cost which can vary depending on location, travel time, audience size and if there is a dye release. Everyone’s situation is different. The good news is the cost has barely changed in the last 15 years and no-one has ever complained about it!

+ Are there discounts for large group sizes?

In general, there are flat rates for local councils, corporate groups and nippers, but there are discounts for large groups of school students.

+ Is there a minimum audience size?

Yes and no. It depends on who is organising the talk, who it’s for, the venue and how much travel time is involved. Usually there is a minimum size for schools of 100 students. It is possible to have multiple sessions at schools, but the minimum size of 100 would still apply to each.

+ Where are the talks given?

Most of the talks are between Wollongong and the Central Coast of NSW, but it’s possible to do road trips to combine multiple talks and I’ve done this to the South Coast and North Coast of NSW many times before. I’ve also given talks in Canberra and southern Queensland.

+ Who gives the talk?

All talks are given by Professor Rob Brander (‘Dr Rip’).

+ How does it work, do I need to provide anything?

All talks are given using a Powerpoint Presentation via laptop and the host/venue should provide a digital projector/tv/smartboard platform and screen. If you don’t have a digital projector, that’s ok, one can be provided. It always helps for the room/venue to be capable of being semi-darkened to maximise the visual impact of the presentation. If there’s too much sunlight getting in the room, it an really wash out the images on the screen.

+ Can talks be done online?

Yep, COVID has made that possible and they seem to work pretty well using Zoom and other platforms. Online talks are cheaper too. It’s up to the host/venue to arrange the online links though!

+ How can I see a release of purple dye in a rip current?

Everyone seems to love watching the dye. I’m sure that’s the main reason people show up to some of my talks! If the talk is given at a beach venue, usually a surf club, then I always try and do a dye release. It all depends on whether there’s any rips present though and I would say that 80% of the time there are! But don’t worry, there are plenty of images and video footage of some pretty spectacular dye releases in all my talks.

+ Is it worth it?

Yes! I’ve given hundreds of talks and I am always amazed at the incredible positive reaction I get. The dominant feedback from adults is how much they learned from the talk and how important it is for them and their families. The main feedback I get from teachers is that they can’t believe their students were that quiet and engaged for so long! Whether you live next to a beach or only visit a beach once a year on holiday, you need to know how beaches work. You can never get enough beach safety information – especially when it’s engaging. It’s absolutely worth it.