Lifesaving lessons for Pilbara youth

Over six weekends in Term 1, children and teens from Roebourne and Wickham had the chance to grow their swimming skills, build confidence in the water and come together as a community thanks to support from Fluidra, Healthway, and the Royal Life Saving WA Swim and Survive Fund! 

Each Friday afternoon, 28 kids from Yaandina Youth Group headed to the Roebourne Aquatic Centre to swim laps and enjoy fresh fruit as part of the Swim for Fruit program. Supported by Healthway, the program promotes kids in regional areas to Go for 2&5 and stay physically active, while helping them feel confident and excited to hit the water. 

 Additionally, a group of 12 children participated in Swim and Survive lessons each Friday where they learnt basic swimming and water safety skills across Stages 1 to 3. 

Meanwhile in Wickham, a group of 10 to 15-year-olds joined a five-week Saturday Swim and Survive program with a focus on water safety, first aid and swimming. These sessions gave young people the chance to challenge themselves while learning lifesaving skills like CPR and aquatic rescue. 

Thanks to Fluidra and Royal Life Saving WA’s Swim and Survive program, our instructors Shelly Goddard and Kylie Macbeth were able to build on existing swimming skills by delivering additional Swim and Survive lessons at the local pool. Royal Life Saving WA appreciates the ongoing support from pool manager Osi Burger, the City of Karratha and Yandina Community Services. 

Sadly, the Pilbara region has one of the highest drowning rates in Western Australia, with Aboriginal Australians overrepresented in those statistics. These programs are vital for the communities they bring together and open new opportunities for children in regional communities to stay safe in and around the water.  

Thank you to our partners at Fluidra and Healthway for their support in bringing these water safety programs to regional WA!