Aboriginal children access vital swimming education in Term One

During Term One this year, 15 Aboriginal children participated in a Swim and Survive program thanks to a collaboration between Royal Life Saving WA and Edmund Rice Centre WA. 

Edmund Rice Centre WA is a leading community development and Aboriginal services provider, which began in the northern suburbs of Perth and has now expanded throughout the metro area. The centre’s Banksia United program uses sport as a vehicle to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the community, encouraging positive interactions while being physically active.

Through its Banksia United program, and thanks to funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Edmund Rice Centre WA was able to partner with Royal Life Saving WA to deliver the Swim and Survive lessons to the program’s participants. 

A total of 15 children participated in the program, learning vital swimming and water safety skills to safely participate in aquatic activities. Lessons were held on Saturday mornings at Leisurepark Balga, with children transported to the aquatic facility thanks to a bus pick up service offered by the Banksia United program. 

Aboriginal children are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal drowning incident than non-Aboriginal children in WA, so ensuring these children have access to learn swimming and water safety skills is vitally important.

Learn more about our Swim and Survive Access and Equity programs for Aboriginal children and youth at the link below.