Chinese community learns lifesaving skills

Alarmingly, in the last five years, 50 of WA’s drowning deaths have been from the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) community – that’s a staggering 37% of all drowning deaths. Royal Life Saving WA has taken a lead in reducing this statistic, by engaging with key multicultural community groups.

As part of this initiative, the Chung Wah Association hosted a Heart Beat Club at their Northbridge headquarters recently. Nineteen members of Perth’s Chinese community spent three hours learning vital CPR and first-aid skills.

Royal Life Saving’s Access & Equity team works closely with four key community groups, including the Chung Wah Association, the Indian Society of WA, Organisation of African Communities and the Vietnamese Community. “These community groups are at high risk of drowning within Australia, and it is important they receive the appropriate swimming and water safety education to reduce this risk,” Emily Balcombe, Royal Life Saving WA Inclusion Coordinator says.

“Royal Life Saving prides itself on working hard to break down the barriers to participation, and Heart Beat Clubs are one of the many programs offered to these groups to do just that.”

Royal Life Saving would like to thank Jen Nie Chong - Chairperson Cultural Development & Activities Subcommittee at the Chung Wah Association - for promoting the Heart Beat Club to the Chinese community, and to the Office of Multicultural Interests who provide vital support for our work with WA's CaLD communities.

Learn more about how we can assist your local community group at the link below.