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People from multicultural communities in Australia are at greater risk of drowning. This can be due to reasons like not growing up around water and not having water safety skills. Often there are other barriers, especially for women, such as limited access to transport, costs, clothing and equipment, and confidence.
With a Healthy Focus grant, Surf Life Saving Tasmania partnered with not-for profit community development organisation Reclink, the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania and the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre for a water safety program for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Swimming lessons were held at the pool. Participants were taken on a tour of the Aquatic Centre, as many had never been to a swimming pool before. This tour helped them feel more welcome and encouraged them to visit the centre outside of the program.
The women were then invited to a family day at the beach where they learned about swimming, beach safety, CPR and first aid in a fun environment. They were introduced to the surf life saving club facilities and encouraged to use the facilities when visiting the beach with their families.
More than 50 women participated in the program. By the end of the program, participants said they had improved their swimming skills and felt more confident around water. These are important steps in reducing drowning risks.
Nazilla, a program participant, says: ‘This program gave me confidence to enjoy being in the water on my own with safety.’
The program also provided opportunities for social connection, physical activity and training. One participant and one volunteer received a scholarship to become qualified swim instructors.
The program also promoted social cohesion, which will benefit the broader community through an increased sense of belonging and engagement.