Children in the City of Belmont learn about water safety

More than 200 children across the City of Belmont have learned vital water safety skills in the lead-up to the warmer months, as part of a Swim and Survive Access and Equity program funded by the City of Belmont Community Contribution Fund

Two sessions were held, with 116 students at Belmont City College and 100 at the Australian Islamic College in Kewdale attending the water safety talks to make them aware of how to stay safe when they are in, on or around water, before taking part in upcoming swimming lessons.

Alarmingly, in the last 5 years there have been 50 drowning deaths in WA involving members of our multicultural community, which accounts for 37% of all drowning deaths. Sadly, in 2017, a former student of the Australian Islamic College, Luseni Traore, lost his life when he jumped off the cliff at Blackwall Reach and drowned as a result. This greatly affected the community at the College, and made students even more aware of the importance of education about water safety issues.

Royal Life Saving Society WA aims to provide assistance and educate young people on the importance of water safety right across Western Australia. The children in Years 7 to 9 at Kewdale Islamic College will complete Swim & Survive lessons at St Brigid’s College over the next two weeks to ensure they are prepared to play safely in the water this coming summer.

You can find out more about how your school or community group can take part in our water safety talks at the link below.