Water Familiarisation Program

Swimming provides youth and adults with a means for physical activity and recreation throughout life. Not learning to swim at an early age often develops a fear of swimming and water. We are teaching and educating basic swimming techniques, water safety and general first aid to our newly arrived refugees that have never had this opportunity before. We also have guest speakers coming in to talk about beach and water canal safety. The program also connects women to new friendship groups, gaining confidence and assisting them in speaking and understanding English.

The Royal Life Saving Drowning Report 2017 shows 291 people died of drowning in Australia in the 2016/17 financial year. A 3% increase on the 282 drowning deaths in 2015/16. We want to assist by decreasing drowning related deaths by educating our diverse older community in water safety and basic swimming skills. Our community is growing and if we don't try and educate now, they will not understand the importance of having their own children educated at an early age or feel confident themselves in and out of water environments.