The Go for 2&5 Regional and Remote Aboriginal Communities Swimming Program (Swim for Fruit) provides support for an after school and weekend lap swimming program and expands on the school-based Swim and Survive program in regional and remote Aboriginal communities.
Healthway is the major supporter of the Swim for Fruit program in Western Australia, and has been working together with Royal Life Saving WA since 2009 to ensure children across regional WA have an opportunity to improve their swimming and water safety skills and learn about the importance of eating more fruit and vegetables through the Go for 2&5 program. The program has enabled Royal Life Saving WA to offer pool-based activities that encourage physical activity and promote healthy lifestyle habits.
Aboriginal Australians also have higher disease and death rates, and are 3.6 times more likely to drown than non-Aboriginal Australians. The Swim for Fruit program aims to address this by providing swimming and water safety education and encouraging healthy eating. Children who complete a set number of laps or other aquatic challenges in a session are rewarded with an afternoon tea of fresh fruit and healthy treats.
Regular participation in sport and recreation helps build stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities. Providing opportunities for expansion of the school-based Swim and Survive program aims to create direct links to increase participation in aquatic based sports such as water polo, competitive swimming, aqua aerobics and pool lifesaving.
Swim for Fruit currently runs in the below locations (with more being added):
- Kimberley Region: Halls Creek, Kununurra, Bidyadanga, Warmun, Fitzroy Crossing, Balgo and Kalumburu
- Pilbara Region: Tom Price, South Hedland, Jigalong, Paraburdoo and Yandeyarra
- Mid West Region: Three Springs, Mount Magnet, Coorow, Eneabba, Morawa, Meekatharra and Wiluna
- Goldfields Region: Leinster, Leonora, Warburton, Warakurna, Norseman and Coolgardie
- Gascoyne Region: Burringurrah
- Wheatbelt Region: Northam
If you would like more information about the Go for 2&5 Swim for Fruit program, please contact Elle Kilner on (08) 9383 8200, or complete the form below.