The State Government’s free learn-to-swim program has delivered more than 25,000 lessons to people of low socioeconomic backgrounds, multicultural communities, First Nations people and people in regional areas. Photo: Marco VDM.
Illawarra residents will be safer in the water this summer thanks to a learn-to-swim program designed to support those most at risk of drowning.
Three of the region’s swim schools are participating in the $6 million state government program, which has already delivered more than 25,000 lessons across NSW to vulnerable groups.
Northern Stars Swim School in Russell Vale and Dapto and McKeon’s Swim School in Unanderra are providing up to 10 free learn-to-swim and water-safety lessons to people from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, multicultural communities, First Nations people and people in regional areas.
The focus is on school-aged children and adults who have not previously had access to lessons, particularly those who identify as non-swimmers or beginner swimmers.
Illawarra Multicultural Services Community Development and Engagement Manager Ann Burbrook said the program presented an extraordinary opportunity for the region’s multicultural communities.
“It has the potential to not only save lives but increase community connections and build confidence for people who have never experienced access to pools, beaches and rivers that Australian-born communities take for granted.
“We applaud the Minns Government for this very important initiative and look forward to sharing the water and summer with everyone who calls the Illawarra home.”
The free lessons focus on foundational water-safety skills, buoyancy and breath control, safe entries and exits, floating, kicking skills and basic stroke techniques.
McKeon’s Swim School has already built culturally-sensitive, women-only lessons into its offering, to be held on Saturdays when the centre is closed to the general public.
McKeon’s Swim School General Manager Greg Crawford said the program removed one of the greatest barriers to water safety for at-risk groups.
“Swimming is a vital skill for those who want to experience the best of what our country has to offer, but many people don’t have the opportunity,” he said. “Cost prevents a lot of people from learning what really should be a right for all people in this country.”
Northern Stars Swim School General Manager Paula Cawston said the school had already seen a significant positive impact within its community, especially among Indigenous and multicultural families.
“Many participants have shared that this is the first time they’ve had the opportunity to learn how to stay safe in and around the water, and we’ve been truly moved by the courage and enthusiasm they bring to the pool,” she said.
“Parents have told us, ‘My child was terrified of the water, and now they’re excited to get in every week’, and ‘We couldn’t afford lessons before — this has been life-changing for our family’.
“We are deeply grateful to be part of a program making such a real and meaningful difference.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the hope was to turn the tide on the high number of drownings among people from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, multicultural communities, First Nations people and people in regional areas.
“Being able to swim at your local pool, beach or river is one of the best things about living in NSW and something many of us take for granted,” he said.
For more information, visit the NSW Office of Sport or call or email your nearest participating swim school.
