Manta Rays Program
Manta Rays is Coogee SLSC’s inclusive beach access program for autistic and neurodivergent children and young people. The program provides a supportive, non-competitive and low-pressure setting . It helps participants build confidence, enjoy a beach environment, and have fun.
The smaller group size (up to 12 participants per session) along with a flexible pace and one-to-one support from Coogee SLSC members, helps participants feel comfortable and connected. We recognise that every participant is different and offer an adapted curriculum tailored to each participant with the help of a behavioural clinician.
Feel free to contact us before registering to understand more about the program and to see if it is suited to your child or young person.
The smaller group size (up to 12 participants per session) along with a flexible pace and one-to-one support from Coogee SLSC members, helps participants feel comfortable and connected. We recognise that every participant is different and offer an adapted curriculum tailored to each participant with the help of a behavioural clinician.
Feel free to contact us before registering to understand more about the program and to see if it is suited to your child or young person.
What does a Manta Rays session involve?
Each session runs for 60 minutes, we meet at the Coogee SLSC Boatshed in the middle of Coogee Beach.
A typical session includes 10 minutes to become familiar (or reconnect) with the Coogee SLSC member paired with the participant, 15 minutes of beach activities (such as flags), 25-35 minutes at the water’s edge or in the water (depending on the participant’s abilities), followed by a debrief with your Coogee SLSC mentor. We try to assign the participant with the same mentor each week to support connection and build ongoing rapport.
There is no pressure to compete or achieve a particular outcome. Participants are encouraged to progress at their own pace, build confidence and enjoy their time at the beach.
When does the program run?
Manta Rays 2027 will run as an eight week program.
Welcome session: Our introductory and welcome session is on Sunday 17 January 2027 at 11am (this is a dry land session at Coogee SLSC Clubhouse).
Beach program: Our beach program then takes place each Saturday from 30 January 2027 to 13 March 2027. New participants take part between 7:30-8:30am (arrive by 7:20am) and returning participants take part between 8:30-9:30am (arrive by 8:20am).
Graduation session: A graduation session (dry land session) to celebrate participant’s achievements will take place on 20 March 2027 at 8am.
How much does it cost?
The program fee is $90. This includes Coogee SLSC membership.
Every participant will receive a backpack, 2027 season participant badge and a drink bottle. New participants also receive a long sleeve dry land program shirt, a hat, high-vis pink water vest and Coogee SLSC swim hat.
How do I register?
If you would like to get in touch with us before registering, please send an email to [email protected].
Registrations for the 2027 season of Manta Rays will open on 15 October 2026. Please note places are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Sponsors and supporters
Thank you to our program sponsors Community Bank Clovelly and Vital Dental. Without their support, the program wouldn’t be able to run.
Interested in becoming a program sponsor? We would love to hear from you by emailing [email protected].
Each session runs for 60 minutes, we meet at the Coogee SLSC Boatshed in the middle of Coogee Beach.
A typical session includes 10 minutes to become familiar (or reconnect) with the Coogee SLSC member paired with the participant, 15 minutes of beach activities (such as flags), 25-35 minutes at the water’s edge or in the water (depending on the participant’s abilities), followed by a debrief with your Coogee SLSC mentor. We try to assign the participant with the same mentor each week to support connection and build ongoing rapport.
There is no pressure to compete or achieve a particular outcome. Participants are encouraged to progress at their own pace, build confidence and enjoy their time at the beach.
When does the program run?
Manta Rays 2027 will run as an eight week program.
Welcome session: Our introductory and welcome session is on Sunday 17 January 2027 at 11am (this is a dry land session at Coogee SLSC Clubhouse).
Beach program: Our beach program then takes place each Saturday from 30 January 2027 to 13 March 2027. New participants take part between 7:30-8:30am (arrive by 7:20am) and returning participants take part between 8:30-9:30am (arrive by 8:20am).
Graduation session: A graduation session (dry land session) to celebrate participant’s achievements will take place on 20 March 2027 at 8am.
How much does it cost?
The program fee is $90. This includes Coogee SLSC membership.
Every participant will receive a backpack, 2027 season participant badge and a drink bottle. New participants also receive a long sleeve dry land program shirt, a hat, high-vis pink water vest and Coogee SLSC swim hat.
How do I register?
If you would like to get in touch with us before registering, please send an email to [email protected].
Registrations for the 2027 season of Manta Rays will open on 15 October 2026. Please note places are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Sponsors and supporters
Thank you to our program sponsors Community Bank Clovelly and Vital Dental. Without their support, the program wouldn’t be able to run.
Interested in becoming a program sponsor? We would love to hear from you by emailing [email protected].
