Fitzroy Kids learn vital skills for life

Note: This story includes information and images taken earlier in term one before social distancing measures were put in place and public swimming pools closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 100 school students from Fitzroy Valley District High School learned vital swimming and water safety skills last term, thanks to a partnership between Royal Life Saving WA and the Department of Education.

The 130 students took part in the lessons at the Fitzroy Crossing Remote Aboriginal Swimming pool over a period of six weeks early in Term One, with each child receiving 10 x 40 minute lessons with instructor Susan Reeve.

Thanks to funding from the Education Department, Royal Life Saving WA was able to arrange for Susan to travel to Fitzroy Crossing from Perth to lead the program alongside local Pool Managers Trevor and Adele Caporn.

It was a great experience for Susan who stayed in local accommodation at Marra Worra Worra, the oldest and largest Aboriginal resource agency in the Kimberley. She says the kids did an amazing job over the six weeks. “It was a pleasure to see the enjoyment the children displayed whilst participating in swimming lessons and developing a great life skill.'

Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 situation, lessons had to be cut short, however Susan and Adele are ready and looking forward to assisting the local school with more lessons once the pool is back open.

You can read more about the amazing work done by our Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pool project, supported by the Department of Housing and Principal COmmunity Partner BHP at the link below.