Remote Martu children enjoy swimming fun

The Western Desert Swimming Carnival was held last week at the Marble Bar Swimming Pool. The carnival saw seven Martu schools attend to showcase the swimming skills they’ve learnt by taking part in Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive programs.

In the week before the carnival Adam and Jarras from Ngurra Kujungka joined Royal Life Saving WA swim instructor Matt in travelling to the seven remote communities to deliver swimming lessons ahead of the carnival. Matt was super impressed with the kids who took part saying “the level of swimming and ability to learn new skills amongst the young indigenous students was outstanding".

On Wednesday 19th February the team spent the day at the Jigalong Remote Community Pool, and both the Jigalong and Parnngurr school children took part in 45 minute sessions, to work on their skills and make sure they were ready to do their very best at the carnival. The children practised diving, freestyle and breaststroke techniques along with rescue relays. After all their hard work they enjoyed a well-deserved BBQ lunch.

It was fantastic to be able to see Ngurra Kujungka, the remote school principals, remote pool managers and Royal Life Saving working together to make sure the kids were well prepared to enjoy the carnival, and to see the children enjoy themselves in the water!

The winner of the Western Desert Swimming Carnival was the team from Nullagine. Well done to everyone involved!