Setting SAIL for All-Abilities
Another term of successful swimming lessons has wrapped up for students in the SAIL program at Kwinana Recquatic. The Royal Life Saving WA Endorsed Swim School has been busy with these private lessons as part of the Specialised Access and Inclusion Lessons (SAIL) program, made possible through the Swim and Survive Fund.
The program aims to address the delivery of vital swimming and water safety education for individuals who may require specialised classes due to physical, behavioural or intellectual challenges and needs.
Statistics show that 15 per cent of children in Australia aged between 0 to 14 years who have drowned within the past decade have a disability. In light of this and other research, Royal Life Saving has focused on ways to implement lessons that will not only equip children with lifesaving skills but increase their confidence in and around the water.
Royal Life Saving swimming instructor Linda, who has been teaching SAIL for over 2 years, says one of her students, aged seven, was once afraid of water but can now confidently swim laps.
Six-year-old Mia, another SAIL student who has ASD level 2 and autism, started in the SAIL program in April and has made extraordinary strides. Her mother, Alisha, says the program has boosted Mia’s development and there are plans for Mia's younger sister who has ASD and ADHD to begin the program next term.
"Mia has come leaps and bounds since she started," says Alisha. "The teacher has been fantastic. The progress I’ve seen with Mia is second to none. If it wasn’t for the funding, I wouldn’t be able to afford these private lessons."
A quiet and focused environment is instrumental to the success of this program, and the unique hydro pool at Kwinana Recquatic is free from crowds, music and loud noise, providing a space that nurtures more focused learning.
Royal Life Saving's Swim and Survive Fund supports nearly 500 children with disabilities in accessing swimming and water safety annually across WA.
Whilst Kwinana Recquatic is currently the only facility offering the SAIL program, Royal Life Saving have plans to expand the benefits of this vital initiative further south in Bunbury.
Royal Life Saving WA Inclusion Manager, Achol Madong, comments on why it's essential to continue the provision of SAIL.
"It is important that all members of our community, including people with a disability, have access to swimming and water education, and that they can access this at their local aquatic centre," she said.
The higher cost of one-on-one lessons can be prohibitive, and subsidising costs to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn to swim would not be possible without the donations received from the community towards the Swim and Survive Fund. This fund covers 50 per cent of lesson fees per participant.
If you would like to make a real difference in drowning prevention you can contribute towards lifesaving swimming lessons below.
