This Harmony Week, as we celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and promote inclusivity, we’re proud to announce the expansion of swimming lessons for multicultural communities in the Shire of Katanning.
The program, funded by the Royal Life Saving WA Swim and Survive Fund, offered Women’s Only classes last year, and has now extended to provide Men’s classes as well, providing access to vital water safety skills for all.
The program, which ran from 11 January to 1 March, was made possible through the support of the Shire of Katanning, with funding for the lessons provided by the Swim and Survive Fund.
The lessons were held on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing for greater participation throughout the eight-week program. Attendance remained strong, with many participants choosing to attend both days each weekend. The women’s sessions consistently saw 8-12 participants, while the men’s program, though still developing, attracted three regular attendees. The commitment from the participants has been inspiring, with some even visiting the pool in the afternoons for extra practice.
The Swim and Survive Fund played a vital role in making this program possible, ensuring that financial barriers didn’t prevent its launch. Programs like this require significant investment, and without the fund’s support, access to culturally inclusive swimming lessons would be limited. Thanks to this backing, the Shire of Katanning was able to provide a welcoming space at the local aquatic centre, while dedicated swim instructors, along with a second instructor and two retired volunteers, ensured that lessons were tailored to meet the diverse needs and skill levels of participants.
The importance of swimming and water safety education cannot be overstated, particularly for multicultural and Aboriginal communities. In Western Australia, 40% of fatal drownings involve individuals who were born overseas. Limited access to swimming lessons and water safety education puts these groups at a higher risk, highlighting the urgent need for targeted programs. Thanks to investment from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Royal Life Saving WA is pleased to build on its existing partnership with the Shire of Katanning and expand targeted programs for multicultural communities in this region over the next three years.
For more information on multicultural swimming programs and how to support the Swim and Survive Fund, visit the link below.
