Swimming to survive in Indonesia

Royal Life Saving WA was lucky enough to see its Swim and Survive program being put into action at an Indonesian leisure centre last week.

As a Royal Life Saving Endorsed Swim School, Bali's Keramas Park is on a mission to reduce the rate of child drowning in Indonesia. Part of Swimdo – an organisation that educates and instructs to prevent drownings in Indonesia – Keramas Park delivers Royal Life Saving WA's Swim and Survive program to local children.

Swimdo's aim is to reduce the rate of child drowning in Indonesia through innovative and multifaceted intervention. Its main tenants are education and instruction, through which it aims to prevent drowning events before they happen, and provide individuals with the knowledge and know-how to respond should a drowning occur.

Swimdo signed up as an Endorsed Swim School in 2016, after its swim instructors completed their training at Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre. Royal Life Saving WA covered the cost of this swim-instructor training to enable these participants to effectively deliver Swim and Survive to local Indonesian children.

Trent Hotchkin, Royal Life Saving's Senior Manager Swimming and Water Safety Education, met with Swim and Survive instructor Agus, as well as the coordinators, at Keramas Park last week. Born in the village, Agus learnt to swim at the pool and now teaches children from the same local school that he attended.

“It was great to meet with Agus and share some knowledge, as well as receive feedback on how the Swim and Survive program is being received," Mr Hotchkin said.

Royal Life Saving WA, in addition to its support of the ESS with curriculum, guides, giveaways, certificates and website, is also in discussions with Swimdo to send volunteer instructors from WA to assist in lessons. If this volunteering opportunity may be of interest to you please register your interest at the link below.