Multicultural men enjoy new swimming and water safety skills

A recent eight-week swimming program has seen a group of men from various multicultural backgrounds learn vital swimming and water safety skills.

Migrant and CaLD communities are over-represented in WA’s drowning statistics, with people born overseas accounting for 39% of all drowning deaths in our state over the past ten years. Many have come from countries where access to a regular swimming education while growing up is rare. 

A lack of water safety awareness and swimming skills, coupled with a desire to participate in the aquatic recreation opportunities that are abundant in Australia, can result in tragic consequences. Royal Life Saving WA is working to address this issue by providing culturally appropriate swimming programs to all communities.

44 men participated in the latest Men's Only Swim and Survive program, which ran at Cannington Leisureplex, Riverton Leisureplex and Leisurepark Balga. Classes were held in the evenings at each location to cater to participants’ work and family commitments.

The program was delivered as part of the Swim and Survive Access and Equity Program which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health via the Driving Social Inclusion through Physical Activity and Sport Grants.

These men now have the basic skills and water confidence to safely participate in aquatic activities with their families and friends. We hope to see them continue their water safety education next term!

Learn more about our programs for Multicultural communities at the link below.