15 September 2025
Swim and Survive Fund brings lessons to families across Perth
This summer, Royal Life Saving WA supported Water Ponyz Swim School to deliver vital swimming and water safety education across six Perth locations, helping children and families develop essential lifesaving skills.
Through grants provided by the Royal Life Saving WA Swim and Survive Fund, the centres in Wangara, Merriwa, Wanneroo, Floreat, Muchea, and Ocean Reef were able to offer lessons to families who may not otherwise have been able to afford them. Across the Perth metropolitan area, 28 students received lessons tailored to their individual needs, ensuring every child had the opportunity to build confidence and essential water safety skills.
In Muchea, the grant allowed Amity, a young student with a disability, to participate safely and increase her physical abilities and overall health.
“Amity really enjoys swimming as she is able to participate in a way she can’t in many other activities due to her disability. It is one of the few ways she can increase her physical abilities and overall health safely,” said her mother, Chantelle.
“Due to [my job as] a carer and being unable to work, it is a struggle to afford lessons.”
At Merriwa, another young learner, Amani, overcame her fear of swimming thanks to the grant.
“The grant helped immensely to get Amani back into swimming and now her fear has gone, especially on her back. She is now so confident and able to build on her swimming skills,” said her family.
The WA Swim and Survive Fund plays a crucial role in removing barriers to swimming for children and adults at higher risk of drowning.
In Western Australia, 21% of primary school-aged children miss out on swimming lessons each year. Approximately 2,000 of these children are at the highest risk of never learning to swim, including those from low-income families, multicultural and Indigenous backgrounds, regional and remote areas, and those living with disabilities. Common risk factors include low socio-economic status, remoteness of location, and poor swimming ability.
“Through initiatives like the Swim and Survive Fund, we can ensure that children who may otherwise miss out on swimming lessons are given the skills and confidence they need to stay safe in and around water,” said Royal Life Saving WA Swimming and Lifesaving Programs Manager Amy Benjamin.
Across all Water Ponyz centres, the funding supported a variety of lessons, including Learn to Swim programs, parent-and-baby classes, and squad lessons. The grants ensured students could continue their swimming journey without financial stress, promoting physical health, confidence, and water safety.
Royal Life Saving WA is proud to work alongside partners like Water Ponyz to empower children and families across Perth, ensuring every young Western Australian has the opportunity to learn to swim and survive.
Learn more about the WA Swim and Survive Fund and how it supports at-risk children across the state at the link below.
