Youth Program

Ethan London Youth Volunteer Program

This program is dedicated to the memory of Ethan London, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in 2019 at the age of 18. Ethan was a popular and hard-working member of the EMS team, embodying values of teamwork and kindness. We remember his adventurous spirit as he assisted our snorkel guides at CuttleFest. This youth volunteer program keeps Ethan’s memory alive and aims to inspire young people to embrace similar values.

Program Details for Youth (Ages 12-17)

Young people are invited to register as volunteers with EMS. Participants will have the opportunity to:

Volunteer at snorkel events, VR sessions, and other special events in roles such as trainee snorkel guide assistant, registration desk helper, snorkel gear assistant, site setup helper, and VR headset facilitator for Great Southern Reef experiences.
Travel to local and regional snorkel sites to explore South Australia’s unique marine life, habitats, and ecosystems.
Educate the community on the importance of marine parks, sanctuaries, and protecting marine and coastal environments.
Gain new skills and valuable experience.
Join a friendly, supportive, and inclusive team and get to know a diverse range of people.
After volunteering at three or more events, access heavily subsidised and free training, including PADI Basic Freediver and PADI Open Water Diver, with potential progression to Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Junior Divemaster. (At 18, this qualification automatically upgrades to Divemaster, the first of PADI’s professional qualifications.)

We thank Green Adelaide for funding support to make this program possible.

Testimonials from Youth Volunteers

“Being a volunteer at EMS is good because you open the opportunity to experience marine sanctuaries to people who perhaps wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise. I have learnt about cool stuff like marine life and how to teach people to snorkel. I have been involved in snorkel guiding and CuttleFest in Whyalla. Being with a group of volunteers is fun and fulfilling as you get to spend time with like-minded people that care about the same things as you.”
— Harper, 17

“I volunteered at lots of different snorkelling experiences like Second Valley and Port Willunga. I like volunteering with EMS because I learned to work through new experiences, assisting participants, and the different types of equipment I can use when I’m snorkelling. I really liked snorkelling with guides who help me recognise different species and understand how to help them survive in the wild. Serving at the registration desk was fun and informative. I would recommend volunteering with EMS to people around my age!”
— Amelie, 13

“I volunteered with my mum on the Eyre Peninsula trip, Yorke Peninsula trip, CuttleFest, and at Port Noarlunga. I enjoyed snorkelling in various places and learning from the snorkel guides. It feels really safe, organised, and everyone is friendly. Working on the registration desk was a good experience for me as a teenager.”
— Bilal, 14