Dr Jags Krishnan MLA with Royal Life Saving WA CEO Peter Leaversuch
New ambassador promotes cultural inclusion
Our Swim and Survive Access and Equity Ambassador, Dr Jags Krishnan MLA, is focused on improving swimming and water safety skills in the multicultural community.
Having grown up in India’s mountainous region 400 kilometres inland, Dr Jags knows what it’s like to come to Australia with little swimming experience.
“Take myself for example, I grew up in the mountains where tea is grown, access to water is not something that is easy,” he said.
“Exposure to water is so minimal for a lot of migrants which is why it’s so important that they learn that life skill here.”
Having been a GP for 14 years, Dr Jags decided to move into politics in 2021, when he was elected as the Labor member for Riverton, one of the most multicultural electorates in the state.
He says it can be daunting to take to the water for the first time as an adult.
“There’s often a cultural barrier and they can feel shy, they’re not as comfortable as local Australians,” he said.
People are now sensitive enough to understand that many migrants, because of their cultural or religious beliefs, wear clothing in a certain way when they get in water, and we should respect and appreciate that.
Working in consultation with multicultural communities, Royal Life Saving has developed Women’s and Men’s Only lessons, for people who may avoid public pools for cultural or religious reasons. The classes are held in Riverton, Cannington, Balga, Beechboro and Wangara, though Dr Jags would like to see the program expanded.
“It’s an important program that helps people gain confidence and develop swimming and water safety skills,” he said.
“We know that once parents have the skills, they can pass them onto their children, and advocate for them to be involved in swimming and water-based activities.”
We look forward to seeing more swim schools across the metro area take part in the program, providing culturally appropriate opportunities for multicultural men and women to learn vital swimming and water safety skills.
More information about the Access and Equity program can be found at the link below.
