2 September 2025
Pool Robotics Perth donation helping multicultural communities access swimming lessons
Pool Robotics Perth has generously donated $5,000 to Royal Life Saving WA’s Swim and Survive Fund, supporting multicultural women in Perth’s northern suburbs to take part in life-saving swimming lessons.
The funding has been allocated to women’s-only swimming lessons at Wangara Water Ponyz, providing the equivalent of one term of lessons for 25 participants. For many women, this program offers their first opportunity to access formal swimming and water safety education in a safe, supportive environment.
These lessons play an essential role in breaking down barriers for multicultural communities who are often at greater risk of drowning. National data highlights that people born overseas account for one-third of drowning deaths each year, with those from disadvantaged, multicultural, regional, and remote populations most likely to miss out on learning to swim or accessing a safe place to swim.
The recently released 2024 National Drowning Report revealed that 357 people lost their lives to drowning in the past year, a 27 per cent increase on the 10-year average. Tragically, inequities persist, with drowning rates nearly triple for regional and remote residents compared to major cities, and double for those living in the most disadvantaged areas.
In Western Australia alone, 49 drowning deaths were recorded last year – a 36 per cent increase on the 10-year average – with more than half occurring among residents of the state’s most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
Royal Life Saving WA General Manager of Education and Training Trent Hotchkin said programs like these are crucial in helping reduce drowning in at-risk areas.
“Teaching children to swim is the most important investment we make as a community to reduce drowning. The Swim and Survive Access and Equity program aims to ensure every new generation acquires these water safety skills and that no one in WA misses out.”
“Quite often, many sectors of the community, including those from Aboriginal, multicultural, and regional communities are missing out on this essential swimming and water safety and the health and social outcomes this brings. Royal Life Saving thanks Pool Robotics for their support and commitment to the cause to ensure all West Australians are learning to Swim and Survive.”
Royal Life Saving WA is proud to partner with organisations like Pool Robotics Perth, whose generosity helps provide access to swimming and water safety education for communities most at risk. This donation will have a meaningful impact, giving women and their families the skills and confidence to safely enjoy Western Australia’s aquatic lifestyle.
To learn more about the Access and Equity program and its impact across Western Australia, click the link below.
