From TVOne News:

Racial tide turns after Cronulla riots
Jan 8, 2007

Sydney beaches have gone from battleground to training ground for young Muslims and white Australians.

Just over a year since the racially motivated Cronulla riots, 15 Lebanese teenagers are close to becoming qualified surf lifesavers.

But some need swimwear that fits their faith.

By the end of summer the group of young Lebanese Muslims could be passing the gruelling first aid and fitness tests to earn their bronze lifesaving medallions.

Among the bronzed bodies and bikinis, trainee surf lifesaver Mecca Laalaa is part of the changing face of Aussie beach culture.

“We’ve had nothing but positive feedback, not only from our families but from the people of Cronulla,” she says.

Her burqini - a hybrid of the Muslim hijab or head covering - means she and other veiled Muslim women can keep the faith and still join in the fun, and break down barriers along the way.

Ahena Zanetti designed the burqini three years ago after watching her niece struggle at netball.

“Without this burqini swimsuit they would never ever, ever, ever.. participate in that event,” Zanetti says.

Now Muslim women from around Australia and across the globe are paying about $200 for swimwear and sportswear that covers all bases. It is light, breathable, fast-drying and not revealing.

Zanetti says a small but growing number of non-Muslim customers come to the store in Sydney’s west. They are children with rare conditions that force them to limit UV exposure and modest mothers covering cellulite.

But it is the Cronulla lifesavers she is proudest of. They face final drills and exams this week. Pass or fail, their efforts have been worth it if it helps heal two communities still wounded and wary.