Swim for Fruit expands to new corners of the state

The Go For 2&5 Regional and Remote Aboriginal Communities Swimming Program, or Swim for Fruit, has been gaining traction in more and more WA communities. Term 4 of 2021 saw programs commence as far north as Kununurra on the eastern edge of the Kimberley, as well as in the coastal town of Carnarvon in WA’s Gascoyne region.

The Swim for Fruit program encourages children in regional communities to swim laps at their local pool and rewards them with a healthy afternoon tea following each session. In addition to fruit, participants can earn incentives such as goggles, Swim & Survive packs, t-shirts, and flippers.

The Kununurra PCYC – a Western Australian Police and Community Youth Centre – was fantastic in running the program during the term. The PCYC works with the WA Police Force and the community to empower at-risk children and young people and to help them reach their potential. The centre delivers a range of recreational and personal development activities for children and young people in Kununurra.

The Go For 2&5 Swim for Fruit sessions were held every Tuesday from 2:30 to 4:30pm at Kununurra Leisure Centre. Kununurra PCYC Centre Manager Natalie Sargent says there have been great numbers coming along to the sessions, and that “the kids have really enjoyed trying all the different fruits like blueberries, mangoes etc.”

A program also commenced at Carnarvon Aquatic Centre this term, with Carnarvon Swim School Coordinator Jenny Little overseeing the program. As a Royal Life Saving Endorsed Swim School, the Carnarvon Swim School provides high quality swimming and water safety education to the Carnarvon community.