Kids set SAIL for summer swimming

Royal Life Saving WA is determined to see all West Australians have an opportunity to learn vital swimming and water safety skills, despite the many obstacles of location, socio-economic status, disability or other factors that may get in their way. We are extremely proud to have partnered with the SAIL (Specialised Access and Inclusion Lessons) program at Kwinana Requatic over the past few years.

The SAIL Program is offered to people of all ages with an intellectual, physical or behavioural issue or impairment who need individual attention or reduced distraction from other swimmers. It teaches basic water safety skills for those with special needs, and those who might require extra help to gain confidence in the water.

This term, thanks to a grant from the City of Armadale, the program has not only been running at Kwinana but has been expanded to the new Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre. 40 participants have been taking part at Kwinana, and a further 10 at Armadale.

Here’s an insight into some of the children benefiting from the program.

Kailee (pictured above)

Kailee is seven years old and has been swimming at Kwinana Recquatic as part of the SAIL program for nearly two years. Kailee has been diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (Downs Syndrome), but she loves to swim! The individualised lessons she’s received as part of SAIL have made a big difference to her water confidence!

Brodie 

Brodie is five years old and had Autism and Global Development Delay. He’s been attending lessons at Kwinana Recquatic as part of the SAIL program for over two years.

Ruby

Ruby has just turned six and is vision impaired. Her instructors say that Ruby has just recently discovered a love for goggles as the water was irritating her eyes. She clearly loves her swimming lessons!

 “All children across Western Australia should have the opportunity to learn to swim,” said City of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams. “The ability to swim and be safe in the water are vital skills and the City is committed to encouraging community participation in swimming lessons,” she said

“Thanks to Royal Life Saving funding, the SAIL program is making a real difference in our local community – giving children in Kwinana the chance to learn basic water safety skills and gain extra confidence in the water,” she said. 

The SAIL program has made a real difference within the local Kwinana community with more than 100 children taking part over the past few years, and we’re excited that Armadale residents are now also having this same opportunity. Royal Life Saving provides grants through our Swim and Survive fund to ensure those who would otherwise miss out can participate in this program, learning basic water safety skills and gaining extra confidence in the water.

To find out more about how Royal Life Saving WA is empowering those with special needs to learn these vital skills, please click the link below.