WAs Multicultural community get active in the Mens Only Swim and Survive Program

39 men from Western Australia’s multicultural community have getting involved in learning vital aquatic and lifesaving skills at Term One of Royal Life Saving WA’s Men’s Only Swim and Survive Program funded by the Department of Health.  

The Multicultural swimming programs offered by Royal Life Saving WA support multicultural men, women, and youth in accessing culturally appropriate swimming lessons in a fun and inclusive environment. The Men’s Only Program has been successful in supporting men from a range of backgrounds come together in a supportive environment that provides a sense of belonging in the Australian community.  

With around one in four people who drown each year being identified as being born overseas, most of these reported deaths are men. Having an accessible water safety program that is culturally appropriate and targets men only is important to ensuring a future where everyone can safely enjoy Australian waterways.   

This Term of the Men’s Only Multicultural Swimming Program has allowed Royal Life Saving WA to offer men in vulnerable communities the opportunity to access swimming and water safety education lessons at Cannington Leisureplex, Riverton Leisuresplex and Leisurepark Balga. The lessons introduce adults to essential water safety knowledge and aquatic skills to give them the foundations to help themselves and others around water.  

The recent addition of the newly developed swimwear guide for men facilitated by Royal Life Saving WA Inclusion Coordinator for Swimming and Water Safety, Achol Madong, in coordination with the Multicultural Steering Committee, has provided a great resource for those who have enrolled into swimming lessons for the first time. Providing the community with a tool on safe and appropriate swimwear options, the guide supports the multicultural community in feeling included in Australia’s swimming culture.  

Royal Life Saving WA continues to work towards delivering accessible programs and resources for everyone within our diverse community as part of their commitment to access and equity. To learn more about the Multicultural Swimming Programs offered visit the link below!