When a child faces a high-impact event, knowing what to do in the first few critical seconds can mean the difference between life and death.

Live Learn Survive is an Australian registered charity dedicated to empowering children with life-saving skills so they feel confident, capable, and prepared in an emergency. We believe every child deserves the chance to survive their worst day—because not every day goes to plan.

Our Purpose

Founded by Trent Maxwell and Leigh Mason, Live Learn Survive exists to reduce preventable injury and death by delivering vital water safety, fire safety, first aid and emergency response education to children across Australia.

We focus on reaching children in disadvantaged, regional, remote and Indigenous communities—where access to safety education is often limited or non-existent.

Our workshops are hands-on, inclusive and fun—ensuring children not only understand the risks, but remember the skills. This education has immediate impact: children leave knowing how to help themselves and others from that very day forward.

We’re not just teaching safety—we’re building resilient kids who grow into confident young leaders in their homes, schools and communities.

Trent Maxwell is the co-founder of the registered charity Live Learn Survive, a Firefighter, Professional Lifeguard, Author, and passionate educator. Known to many as ‘Lifeguard Maxi’, Trent made history as the youngest ever professional lifeguard to work at Bondi Beach. His 17-year career has been featured on the award-winning global TV show Bondi Rescue, airing in over 100 countries.

Now a Senior Firefighter and Qualified Rescue Operator with Fire and Rescue NSW, Trent is based at Bankstown Fire Station in Western Sydney. His dual frontline careers—firefighting and lifesaving—make him a powerful, relatable role model for young people, especially boys.

Alongside Live Learn Survive co-founder Leigh Mason, Trent develops and delivers life-saving educational workshops for children in schools, clubs, and community groups—regardless of their location or background. Together, they’ve educated over 36,000 children, equipping them with the skills to be Water Smart, Fire Safe, and Life Ready.

Trent is also the co-author of the award-winning Maxi the Lifeguard children’s book series, including Maxi’s Beach Rescue, and co-hosts the Live Learn Survive podcast, where he shares insights to inspire the next generation of leaders and first responders.

Driven by the belief that every child deserves the knowledge and confidence to survive their worst day, Trent’s mission is to deliver vital safety education in an engaging, memorable way—because the lessons they learn today could save a life tomorrow.

maxi@livelearnsurvive.com.au
Trent on LinkedIn

Leigh Mason is the Co-Founder and Chairperson and driving force behind Live Learn Survive, a registered charity dedicated to empowering children with safety, life-saving skills to survive their worst day and build resilience. With over 30 years’ experience as a business manager and consultant, these days Leigh combines her business expertise with her passion for education to impact and educate children.

As co-author of Maxi’s Beach Rescue and co-host of the Live Learn Survive podcast, Leigh collaborates with business partner Trent Maxwell, a Firefighter and Lifeguard at Bondi Beach, to extend the charity’s reach. Together, they’ve met and educated over 36,000 children, with programs tailored for schools, clubs, and corporate partners. Live Learn Survive creates what Leigh proudly calls ‘little superheroes’ by making sure they are Water Smart, Fire Safe and Life Ready.

Leigh believes that every child, no matter their background, deserves to learn life-saving skills that will keep them safe, look after their mates and help their communities. Live Learn Survives books, workshops and curriculum-aligned programs have reached children in over 30 countries.

Leigh is also a corporate speaker, sharing the charity’s mission with organizations to inspire action and support. Through her engaging presentations, she spreads awareness of the importance of life skills education, encouraging people and corporate partners to join the Live Learn Survive journey.

Drawing from her own experience as a volunteer student swimming teacher, and being the daughter of a swimming teacher, Leigh’s vision is to build the next generation of resilient children—future leaders and first responders—through fun, engaging education that leaves a lasting, even lifesaving impact.

leigh@livelearnsurvive.com.au
Leigh on LinkedIn