RACE FOR THE BEACH - The making of a Lebanese lifeguard
TX: 7:00pm Thursday 14th June 2007, BBC2

This World tells the story of Meccaa Laalaa, a pretty young University student, in Sydney, Australia. In February 2007, she became world famous, for trying to be a good Muslim and good Australian. She was the first devout Muslim woman to qualify as a surf lifesaver – wearing a full length `burqini’.

In recent years, beaches like Cronulla, south of Sydney, saw problems with aggressive Muslim youth abusing white girls in bikinis. Race relations were further strained by 9/11, the Bali bombing, and the subsequent arrests of Muslim terror suspects.

In December 2005, two white surf lifesavers were badly beaten up. Their attackers were believed to be Muslim youths. The word went out that it was time for whites to fight to reclaim the beach. Thousands rallied to support the victims. That soon escalated into a race riot. Crowds attacked anyone of a Middle Eastern appearance.

Over the next three nights, Muslim gangs took revenge on white youths. Violent images were splashed all over the world media. The local Muslim community were horrified. Families like Mecca’s were shocked by the hatred of Muslims on display.

The next summer, worries about renewed violence grew among white local administrators and Muslim moderates. But they both had the same idea: training Lebanese youth as lifesavers to change the image of Muslims on the beach. Community leader, Dr. Jamil Rifi linked up with the Surf Lifesavers Association to ask for volunteers.

22 young Muslim Lebanese Australians came forward – Meccaa Laalaa among them. They were between 16 and 20, ranging from devout to liberal in their religious practice. Their goal: peace with and respect from other Australians.

In November, they began training for the Bronze Medallion. Over ten weeks they hone their fitness, learn first aid and how to save drowning swimmers.

Race for the Beach follows Meccaa as she fights the surf, and the pressure of becoming a role model for her community. She dislikes publicity - while being put in front of the world’s media. She wants to keep her modesty while being dressed for the surf. But there’s a catch, she can barely swim.

Her journey is driven by PR Svengali Dr Rifi, and her white trainers, Tony and Scott. She must learn to run/swim/run 600 metres in eight minutes - while staying covered up. If she passes, she’ll wear the red and yellow uniform – as a head to toe burqini. For Dr. Rifi this would be a rare Muslim good news story. But for that to happen, Meccaa has to make it.

Producer Aline Jacques
Director Alan Erson
Executive Producers Roger Graef Margie Bryant

A Films of Record/Serendipity production for the BBC and SBS