11 November 2026
Swim and Survive Fund helps Alex thrive
Trains, dinosaurs, Minecraft and anything involving building or engineering are high on 11-year-old Alex’s list of favourite things. Swimming is right up there, too.
Alex is autistic, incredibly observant and has an amazing memory for the things that capture his interest. His mum, Nichola, describes him as kind and affectionate with a lovely sense of humour and says, once he feels safe and confident, his personality really shines.
That sense of safety has been an important part of Alex’s swimming journey.
Group lessons aren’t suited to his communication style, sensory needs and learning pace, making one-on-one instruction an important way for him to develop his swimming and water safety skills.
For Nichola, a sole parent and full-time carer, the ongoing cost of specialist lessons can be difficult to manage. After hearing about the Royal Life Saving WA Swim and Survive Fund through their local swim school, she applied for support to help Alex continue learning.
The Fund has given Alex access to one-on-one lessons where his instructor can adapt activities to his individual needs, give him time to process instructions and allow him to progress at his own pace.
Alex can find new environments to be challenging and he needed plenty of reassurance when he first began swimming lessons. Over time, he has built a strong sense of trust with his instructor and become increasingly willing to try new things.
That growing confidence now sees him practising new skills and proudly celebrating what he has achieved each week.
“Watching him build enough confidence to independently practise new skills and seeing how excited he is after each lesson makes me incredibly proud,” Nichola said. “It’s those small moments of confidence that mean the most.”
Swimming has also become an important form of physical activity for Alex, who has hypermobility. The water provides an enjoyable way for him to build strength, coordination and endurance while being gentle on his joints.
Just as importantly, his regular lesson has become a positive part of his weekly routine. The predictable and supportive environment helps him feel calm and regulated, while giving him somewhere he can challenge himself and experience success.
For Nichola, knowing Alex is continuing to develop his swimming and water safety skills also provides important peace of mind. His lessons are helping him become safer and more independent around water while building confidence that extends beyond the pool.
The Swim and Survive Fund exists to help remove barriers that can prevent children from accessing essential swimming and water safety education. For families who require specialised or individual instruction, financial barriers can mean children miss out on lessons that are particularly important for their safety and wellbeing.
For Alex, the Fund has meant his swimming journey can continue.
“It has removed a significant financial barrier and allowed Alex to continue something that has become incredibly important for both his safety and wellbeing,” Nichola said. “We’re genuinely grateful because it has given him an opportunity he might otherwise have missed.”
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn vital swimming and water safety skills, regardless of disability or family circumstances. With the right support, children like Alex can continue building skills, independence and confidence—and discover just how much they are capable of.
Learn more about the Royal Life Saving WA Swim and Survive Fund and how your support can help ensure no child misses out on learning to Swim and Survive.
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