2 February 2026
Inclusive swim programs making waves across the Mid West
Royal Life Saving WA is proud to continue its partnership with Mitsui E&P Australia and Beach Energy into the second year of a two-year funded contract, delivering lifesaving swimming and water safety programs across the Mid West for communities at increased risk around water.
Programs were delivered across Geraldton, Eneabba, Coorow, Carnamah, Mullewa, Dongara and Three Springs, reaching 522 participants across 50 programs. These initiatives focused on supporting multicultural and First Nations communities, regional families and participants living with disability – groups identified as being at increased risk around water.
A key highlight of Year Two has been the pilot and expansion of the Specialised Access and Inclusion Lessons (SAIL) program in Geraldton. Initially launched with six one-on-one classes, strong community demand has seen the program grow to 15 places by Term 1, with further growth across Terms 3 and 4 as community engagement continues to build momentum.
This financial year alone, 354 students have participated across 10 programs, with more sessions scheduled. Alongside SAIL, Swim and Survive programs and water safety education continued to be delivered across the Mid West, extending lifesaving skills throughout the region. Parents have praised the SAIL program for its individualised approach and inclusive design.
Geraldton parent Kerrie Stephens said her son Edward “made so much progress because the teacher was able to give individualised instructions and feedback. He felt confident to try new things in the 1:1 environment.”
SAIL Instructor Theresa Wells said that the program’s success was largely due to ‘reduced distraction and sensory overload with parents very appreciative of how much their children learned in a single session.”
Royal Life Saving WA Inclusion Manager Achol Madong said inclusive programs like SAIL are critical to ensuring equitable access to water safety education, particularly in regional communities.
“It’s important that all members of our community, including people with a disability, can access swimming and water education at their local aquatic centre," she said.
Beyond Geraldton, the partnership has delivered significant regional impact. In Coorow, programs included infant and school-aged swimming lessons, as well as Bronze Medallion and Swim Teacher courses, attracting participants from across the Mid West and beyond.
Shire of Coorow CEO Mia Maxfield said the programs were “a fantastic opportunity for our community to gain essential water safety skills,” while Shire President Cr Guy Sims noted they strengthened the community’s connection to the Coorow Aquatic Centre.
Royal Life Saving WA continues to build local instructor capacity, upskilling staff to confidently deliver inclusive lessons for participants with additional needs, helping ensure programs remain sustainable in regional communities.
The ongoing partnership with Mitsui E&P Australia and Beach Energy reflects a shared commitment to reducing drowning risk and ensuring that every child in the Mid West can develop essential swimming and water safety skills, with further programs planned across the region in 2025.
