Aboriginal students learn to swim and survive

Clontarf Aboriginal College’s first Swim & Survive Program was a huge success, with around 40 students from years 7 to 9 participating in a week of swimming and water-safety lessons.

Royal Life Saving WA ran the program, which is of particular importance as the summer holidays approach. With the drowning rate amongst Australian Aboriginals three times higher than other Australian children aged 0-14 years, and ranked the second-most common cause of injury and death, it’s vital that children learn swimming and water-safety skills.

The one-week Swim & Survive Program took place across two venues, with the girls swimming at Cannington Leisureplex and the boys at the Aqualife Centre in Victoria Park.

“Thanks to Royal Life Saving Society WA and their instructors for giving our students the opportunity to be involved in swimming lessons,” Clontarf Aboriginal College’s physical education teacher Rob Thompson said. “The college, staff and students greatly appreciate it.”

Royal Life Saving WA would like to thank the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Town of Victoria Park and the City of Canning for supporting this program and breaking down the barriers to participation for our Aboriginal communities.

To find out more about the work we're doing with at-risk children across WA, visit the link below: