Meekatharra youth workers to deliver Swim for Fruit

Eight staff from the Meekatharra Youth Centre in WA’s Mid West have earned their Bronze Medallion, the first step in building a swimming program in the community.

Thanks to a $500 donation from Adflex Marketing, Royal Life Saving WA was able to offer the training program at a subsidised rate to the local shire.

Meekatharra, which means ‘place of little water’ in Yamatji, is set to launch Go for 2&5 Swim for Fruit, an after-school lap program for remote and regional Aboriginal communities that encourages healthy eating. 

“I’m confident that gifting this donation to the Youth Centre is a sustainable investment in the local community,” said Royal Life Saving Inclusion Coordinator, Triahna Coombs. 

“Swim for Fruit is new to Meekatharra and this donation will go towards establishing a swimming program workforce while developing the skillset of local youth workers.”

Supported by Healthway, Swim for Fruit was developed in response to a greater need for water safety, physical activity, and adequate fruit and vegetable intake amongst young Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in regional and remote areas of WA.

Drowning remains the leading cause of preventable death for toddlers while people in regional areas are 1.8 times more likely to drown than those in Perth’s metro.

To address these factors, Royal Life Saving has been working with regional pools for more than a decade to encourage children to participate in swimming activities by rewarding them with a healthy afternoon tea. 

It’s hoped this investment will lead the way for future Royal Life Saving programs including Swim and Survive.

“Having community members with a Bronze Medallion opens opportunities for more support and programs to be available to the local community and prevent drowning,” said Triahna.

To read more about the Go for 2&5 Swim for Fruit program, its impact and benefits, visit the link below: