Applications open for $5 million water safety program
The Albanese Government is helping more Australians stay safe in and around the water with applications open now for the WE SWIM Multicultural Community Water Safety Program. Delivered by the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, WE SWIM seeks to reduce the risk of drowning, remove barriers to swimming and water safety education and build belonging for refugees, recently arrived migrants and multicultural communities.
Councils, multicultural community and settlement organisations, water-safety organisations, aquatic centre and swim schools can apply for a share in the $5 million grants program. People born overseas account for one in three drowning deaths in Australia. Lack of awareness of local water hazards plus financial, language and cultural barriers contribute to lower swimming and water safety skills among multicultural communities.
WE SWIM will help ensure everyone can feel safe and confident around the water, regardless of their background. The program aligns with the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 and its national target to reduce drowning by 50 per cent by 2030. For more information and to apply, visit royallifesaving.com.au/WESWIM Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells: “Each life lost to drowning is an avoidable tragedy.
Swimming and water safety education are critical skills for Australians of all backgrounds and all stages of life. “The Albanese Government is delivering on our election commitment to invest $5 million to fund WE SWIM, which will break down barriers for multicultural communities, build belonging and save lives. “In Australia, we love to be on, in and around the water.
That’s why we are proud to support Royal Life Saving Australia, community organisations and local swim centres to deliver WE SWIM. “This investment means everyone has access to water safety education so our beautiful beaches, pools and waterways can be enjoyed safely and responsibly.” Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite MP: “For most Australians, swimming and spending time around water is part of who we are.
But for many migrants and their children, it can be overwhelming and unsafe when they haven’t had the chance to learn water safety. “This program helps change that. WE SWIM gives multicultural communities the skills to stay safe, the confidence to enjoy our beaches and pools, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of Australia’s water culture." Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer of Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, Dr Justin Scarr: "Being able to swim at the local pool, river or beach on a hot day, on holidays, or on a day trip is a quintessential part of being Australian.
Yet for too many refugees and migrants, accessing a local pool to build those skills can be daunting, and the consequences can be tragic. “WE SWIM is how Royal Life Saving is closing that gap, working with councils, aquatic centres and community organisations to reduce downing risk and build a sense of belonging around water, for refugees, recently arrived migrants and multicultural communities.
“We thank the Australian Government for backing this program with a $5 million investment."