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It's not just Germany that's getting creative in trying to integrate its Muslim population. The Australian state of New South Wales has launched a training initiative called "On the Same Wave" designed to integrate Australians of different ethnic backgrounds into its iconic Surf Live Saving program. Seventeen young Muslim men and women have graduated, after a rigorous, eight-week training course, to become Australia's first Muslim lifeguards. Women were encouraged to participate, and could wear the Islamic Council of Australia-approved "burqini," a full-body swimsuit that covers the hair. The suit was designed by a local fashion entrepreneur, Aheda Zanetti, and over 9,000 have been sold. Her label, Ahiida, offers "dynamic swimwear and sportswear for today's Muslim female."

It's heartening to think that Cronulla beach (south of central Sydney), the site of Australia's deeply disturbing race riots in December 2005, will be host to the first successful contingent of Australian Muslim lifesavers.