13 wishes granted for endorsed swim schools teaching students to swim and survive

Over the January and April school holidays, 13 Endorsed Swim Schools received grants from the Royal Life Saving WA Swim and Survive Fund.

The successful swim school applicants were chosen based on how beneficial the program would be once implemented to its community. 

Congratulations to our successful applicants: Gingin Aquatic Swim School, Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, all six WaterPonyz locations, Just Add Water Swimming, Dalwallinu Aquatic School, Kwinana Swim School, CAPS Coolgardie and Mel’s Aqua Fitness and Learn to Swim.  

At Royal Life Saving, we believe no one should miss out on being able to participate in lessons due to financial status or cultural background.  The grants provide swimming schools with subsidised swimming lessons as well as greater availability of the lessons. 

Kate, a parent of participants in the program said, “It made such a difference to my family. Being a single mum, I couldn’t afford lessons anymore with all the increases, especially our rent! So, we are very thankful for the program! My daughters loved it and progressed with the program.”

Approximately 100 participants who couldn’t access swimming lessons before were able to participate in the program because of the grants.

Dalwallinu Aquatic School used their grant to deliver a 10-week Learn to Swim program tailored towards their female Filipino community, as they make up 6.1% of the Shire’s population, six times the national percentage. 

Kim Johnson, a Swim School Coordinator at Dalwallinu Aquatic Centre, wondered why so many adult Filipino women used the facility for their children but not themselves. When questioned, it was because they had never been taught to swim.

Their Learn to Swim program was able to teach 10 ladies to swim, each receiving their certificate at a presentation barbeque. 

If your swim school is interested in applying for a grant, click the link below to learn more: