Aqua Skills making a splash in the South West

Royal Life Saving WA’s Aqua Skills 55+ program has expanded to the South West, giving communities in metro and regional areas the opportunity to improve their water safety knowledge and rescue skills. 

Residents from Claremont, Lakelands and Bunbury have already jumped at the chance to connect with others and learn at their local pool, with more than 30 older Australians signing up for the program last month. 

In partnership with the Western Australian Department of Health, Royal Life Saving is able to offer the program for free for people aged over 55 years, with this age group representing 40 per cent of all drowning death across Australia last year.

Aqua Skills 55+ focuses on teaching participants what to do in an emergency, as well as what it means to know your limits and ‘Make the Right Call’.

Deborah, who recently joined the program in Lakelands, said the techniques she’s learning have left her feeling better equipped in the water.

“I learnt a lot about self-preservation and to look after yourself first,” she said. 

Another participant who has never gone past the 1.2 metre depth mark said she now has renewed motivation to conquer her fear. 

“I enjoyed this tremendously. This makes me feel more comfortable and I would like to learn to properly swim now and surprise my family.”

Participants have also credited the program for boosting their social interactions, with many saying they’ve forged new friendships which support an active lifestyle and a deeper connection to the community.

Aqua Skills 55+ is now expanding even further, with programs in Busselton starting on Saturday the 22nd of April at the Geographe Leisure Centre. 

To learn more about the Aqua Skills program and to register for our upcoming sessions, visit the link below.