Purnululu School students after a happy day of fun in the pool at their school swimming carnival
Swimming carnival fun for Frog Hollow students
Children from Purnululu Aboriginal Independent Community School recently enjoyed all the excitement and contest of their school swimming carnival which was held at the Warmun Community Pool. The carnival saw the children put into practise the skills they'd learned through recent Education Department in-term swimming lessons, and the laps they've completed as part of the Go for 2&5 Swim for Fruit program throughout the season, supported by Heathway.
Purnululu School is located in the Aboriginal community of Frog Hollow, around 30km south of Warmun in WA’s East Kimberley region. Over 30 students, parents, and teachers from the school travelled to Warmun for the carnival, which was held on Monday 29th March.
Warmun Pool Manager Stephen Waterman said it was a fantastic day for all. “We started off with the high school students doing their swimming races – freestyle, breaststroke and survival backstroke – then the primary students did the same,” said Steve. The younger kids also got to enjoy a pool noodle race as well!
After all the swimming races were done, they took a quick break before it was time for the team-based events. “These included rope throw rescue and pull in relays, kickboard throw and kick in relays, and the favourite of the day – boat races!” said Steve.
“After the races and relays I awarded 14 students with their swimming certificates for Term 1. I also awarded eight Swim and Survive medals – four gold, two silver and two bronze – to the students who not only competed well but also showed great teamwork in the events.”
“It was a fantastic day and was great to see the small community of Frog Hollow coming together and not only working well together but having lots of fun at the same time,” said Steve. “A big thanks to our partners and supporters for all their help and assistance.”
Being able to put their swimming skills into practice is a huge achievement for these kids. The Kimberley region has the second highest drowning rate in WA, which makes the learning of vital water safety and swimming skills so important for these children.
Learn more about our Remote Aboriginal Community Swimming Pools and how they are helping to address the regional drowning statistics in our state at the link below.
