Remember it is never too late to learn a new skill, which is why Royal Life Saving WA continues to run its Women's Only lessons as part of the Swim and Survive program, so participants like Shila can access education on skills she has previously missed out on learning.

When the opportunity presented itself, Shila took this as her chance to enrol in the lessons which were run at Leisurepark Balga.

Originally from Afghanistan, water was always a foreign concept and understandably as a result, Shila was afraid of the water.

In just four weeks, Shila's confidence around the water improved dramatically and by the end of the program she successfully passed Stage 1 of the Swim and Survive program.

Swimming Instructor, Anne, who worked extremely close with Shila throughout the program detailed how important these lessons are for all women as they were able to be pushed out of their comfort zones and conquer learning new skills and doing it well.

Anne said, ''I am sure they have found a new sense of joy and subconsciously confronted some of their fears they knew they had and fears that they probably didn't know they had. It was so good to see the happy expressions on their faces, for myself as their teacher, I think I got as much out of it as they did – their humility and grace are a lesson to us all.''

Through these programs and lessons some of our most vulnerable groups can learn vital swimming skills and water safety education, which they would otherwise miss out on due to circumstances beyond their control.  

Shila is a prime example of this. Her dedication to the program and through the caring and compassionate nature of her instructors, she was able to perform beyond their expectations, so much so Shila began to learn Stage 2 skills with the lesson time left in the program. As an avid fitness enthusiast, she is excited to begin incorporating swimming into her workout schedule.

''To be a part of experiences such as these are as rewarding for us, as it is for the participants'', said Swimming Instructor, Elena. ''To see their progress from start to finish, is nothing short of amazing!''

Royal Life Saving WA reached out to the Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors (ASeTTS), pin order to provide these valuable lessons to their contacts.

To learn more about the specialty lessons Royal Life Saving WA offer through the Swim and Survive program, follow the link below.