Multicultural kids dive into artistic swimming in Cannington

Children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds recently had the chance to explore a new side of aquatic activity, taking part in an artistic swimming trial session at Cannington Leisureplex. 

A total of 27 children from Royal Life Saving WA’s Multicultural Swim and Survive program joined the session on Thursday, April 3rd, delivered in collaboration with Artistic Swimming WA (ASWA). The children, from Stages 5, 6, and 7 of the program, were given the opportunity to learn artistic swimming fundamentals including tucks, turns, and synchronised leg lifts – all while building their confidence and having fun in the water. 

The session was filled with laughter, creativity, and teamwork, and offered a fresh perspective on how swimming skills can be expressed in an artistic and playful way. 

“In the last week of the swim teaching term, I had the opportunity to help teach an artistic swimming session. It was exciting to see the kids show off their swimming skills in a creative way – performing tucks, turns, and even getting their legs in the air with big smiles on their faces,” said Swimming Instructor Beth.  

“The session was full of fun activities that challenged their coordination, flexibility, and confidence in the water. It was a great reminder of how swimming can be both skill-building and playful, and I loved seeing the kids celebrate what they’d learned throughout the term.” 

Programs like these are not just fun – they’re vital. It is alarming that culturally and linguistically diverse members of our community are overrepresented in Western Australia’s drowning statistics, with 40% of drowning fatalities in WA involving individuals born overseas.  

By providing inclusive and engaging opportunities to build water confidence and safety skills, Royal Life Saving WA aims to reduce this overrepresentation and ensure every child has the chance to enjoy the water safely. 

“Our swimming programs lay the foundation and develop the skills necessary for safe participation in aquatic activities and sports. We are pleased to collaborate with Artistic WA to offer this extension opportunity to our participants,” said Royal Life Saving WA Inclusion Manager Achol Madong. 

This initiative also highlights how alternative aquatic activities can keep children engaged and help diversify their swimming experience while reinforcing important water safety skills. 

Artistic Swimming WA led the session in partnership with Royal Life Saving WA’s Inclusion team, with coaching support from Camille Claudino. Royal Life Saving WA also acknowledges the support of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. 

To learn more about Royal Life Saving WA’s multicultural inclusion programs, visit the link below.