Young instructor paves the way for multicultural men

18-year-old Royal Life Saving WA swimming instructor Harry Luan is paving the way for multicultural men to become swimming teachers. 

Harry has been a swimming instructor for over a year and is now teaching at four swim schools: Riverton Leisureplex, Cannington Leisureplex, Leisurepark Balga, and Kirby Swim Harrisdale. 

As well as teaching kids, Harry is passionate about teaching adults – particularly multicultural men – as he relates to the challenges they face when learning to swim.  

“I want to empower more multicultural men to embrace swimming, as it is an integral part of Australian community life and identity. Like many of them, I immigrated from a country where swimming is not considered an essential skill and is not highly regarded.  

“I faced similar challenges when I first moved to Australia, such as language barriers, limited access to affordable swimming lessons, and the fear of water as before taking swimming lessons in Australia, I had little exposure to water.” 

Recently, Harry attended a Royal Life Saving WA Multicultural Steering Committee meeting, where he recommended that more training be offered to men from multicultural backgrounds to increase the number of male instructors available to teach, as this is a key component to delivering the Men's Only program.   

“The primary reason I decided to attend the meeting is the need for more programs like this in the future. Lifesaving skills like swimming are crucial in Australia, and these programs play a vital role in equipping our diverse communities with the necessary knowledge and abilities to fully immerse into the Australian community and to be safe in the many waterways that Australia offers.  

“By supporting and expanding such initiatives, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to these essential skills, thereby paving the way for a safer and more inclusive future,” Harry said.  

Harry says that he finds it very rewarding to see the progress of his students and the confidence they gain throughout the course. 

“I believe my work has empowered people from diverse backgrounds to enjoy our beautiful beaches and spend valuable time with their kids in water-based activities.” 

Having completed the entire Swim and Survive curriculum, Harry became a swimming instructor due to his love of the water and of teaching.  

“I love that being a swimming instructor means I have very flexible working hours, as it perfectly complements my busy study schedule and it also provides me with experience in teaching, which is a career that I would like to pursue.” 

If you’re interested in becoming a swim teacher, learn more about how to get started on your swim teacher journey at the link below.