Drowning statistics show that overseas-born residents and tourists in Australia are at a higher risk, especially when involved in activities like swimming, rock fishing, and diving. The National Drowning Report 2024 from Royal Life Saving Australia highlights that these communities are more affected due to a lack of water safety skills and awareness. With summer fast approaching, it’s more important than ever to close this gap.
To address this issue, we teamed up with Aquatics & Recreation Victoria and Melbourne City Baths to run a water safety program for young people from multicultural backgrounds. Over two weeks, 30 participants learned essential survival techniques and basic swimming skills. This program is part of CMSport’s ongoing effort to make sure everyone, no matter their background, feels safe and confident when taking part in sports and recreational activities.
The program not only focused on teaching practical water safety skills but also delivered the training in a culturally sensitive way. By working with community organisations, the program ensured participants were supported and able to understand and apply the lessons effectively. This approach has helped boost the confidence of young people, many of whom had never received formal swimming lessons before.
Participants shared that they now feel more confident engaging in water activities, whether at the pool or the beach. This increased confidence is an important step in reducing the drowning risk for multicultural communities.
As we look toward a busy summer season, initiatives like this play a vital role in safeguarding lives and creating inclusive opportunities for all young people to enjoy water activities safely.