Cannington kids learn to Swim and Survive

Learning swimming and water safety skills is vital for all Australian children, and gives them an opportunity to safely enjoy our lifestyle. Sadly for many arriving in Australia from overseas these skills are not something they have learned in their homeland which leaves them at real risk of drowning.

This term 40 children from multicultural backgrounds are taking part in an after school Swim and Survive program at the Cannington Leisureplex, through a partnership between Royal Life Saving WA and Communicare. The lessons are funded by Principal Community Partner BHP and Lotterywest through our Swim and Survive Access and Equity program.

The children taking part in the program are aged from 4-17 years and will participate in lessons from beginner through to level five, to help break down barriers to them participating in swimming and water safety education.

The lessons are taught by qualified Swim and Survive instructors and enable participants to feel comfortable and safe when they are in, on or around water. The aim is to develop their knowledge and skills so they can safely participate in aquatic activities with their friends.

The City of Canning is the most culturally diverse of any local government area in Western Australia, with 40% of residents coming from a multicultural background. Royal Life Saving WA is working with key organisations in this area to reduce the risk of drowning in these communities.

The Cannington After School Swim & Survive Program will continue in Term 3, with another 40 children having an opportunity to take part. Royal Life Saving WA would like to thank Communicate and BHP for making this program possible.

If you’d like to find out more about the work Royal Life Saving does in multicultural communities across metro and regional WA please click the link below.