Swimming success for Burringurrah children

Term one swimming lessons were recently completed at Royal Life Saving WA's remote aboriginal swimming pool in Burringurrah. The lessons, which happened over a two week period, saw some amazing results achieved by the local children.

Burringurrah Pool Manager Aaron Jacobs - who taught the lessons - says he was extremely encouraged by the children's development "It was fantastic to see the progression in confidence, survival techniques and stroke techniques over the two weeks. Most notably Stuart Laylon and Maverick Egan who improved from being non-swimmers to confident learners."

Record breaking heat and very little rain for the northern Gascoyne region over the summer period enabled a peak of ideal swimming days in Burringurrah. The low rainfall meant that local creeks, rivers and water holes remained quite dry, and the continual scorching temperatures encouraged local children to visit the pool often to cool off and naturally improve their swimming skills.

"It is self rewarding to see especially the younger children improve in their confidence and swimming skills. Knowing that when the 'wet' hits, creeks and rivers will flow, water holes will fill and local families and children will enjoy this natural aquatic playground. Considering the risks of creeks, rivers and waterholes and the risks some children will take, it is satisfying to know the swim lesson program has equipped these kids with the knowledge and skills they need to swim in the natural water courses safely" said Aaron.

Royal Life Saving congratulates all the Burringurrah children for the commitment they've shown to improving their swimming and water safety skills this term, and we look forward to seeing them return to the pool next season to gain even greater swimming skills!

These lessons are made possible thanks to our partnership with the Department of Education. This partnership ensures that schools in remote communities, particularly in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, have access to vital swimming and water safety lessons.

If you'd like to learn more about the Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pools project - supported by the Department of Communities - please click the link below.