Swimming Skills for WA Kids

In Australia, swimming is a life skill. We are privileged to surrounded by glittering seas, and beaches, waterways and pools serves as cultural hubs. Places we gather to splash, surf, celebrate and share joy.

With the cost of living putting pressure on many young families, some parents are being forced to cut down on essentials like swimming lessons, putting kids at risk of missing the foundational skills they may one day need to survive.

“It is estimated that 21% of WA primary school-aged children miss out on swimming lessons each year, putting them at greater risk of drowning.” – Royal Life Saving Society WA

Water safety is a non-negotiable, and in Mid-West WA, the drowning rate is among the highest in the state. 40 people have drowned in the region in the last 10 years.

Mitsui E&P Australia, Beach Energy and Royal Life Saving Western Australia have partnered up to ensure that no child in the Mid-West misses out on swimming and water safety skills.

The Royal Life Saving Australia Swim and Survive program is backed by 125 years of Royal Life Saving history, and is the best avenue to meeting and exceeding National Benchmarks for swimming and water safety.

The 10-week program equips kids with the swimming, personal survival, basic rescue and lifesaving skills they need to set them up for a lifetime of soaking up Australia’s beautiful coastline.

The MEPAU, Beach, and RLSWA partnership will provide access to the Swim to Survive program to over 1,400 children across the region, working to ensure every child in the Mid-West has access to swimming lessons that might save their life, or help save someone else’s.

Royal Life Saving WA CEO Peter Leaversuch says children who miss out on swimming and water safety education face an increased risk of drowning.

“They may lack the essential water skills and confidence needed to stay safe around water. Lessons not only teach swimming techniques but also survival strategies such as floating, treading water and self rescue – skills that are crucial for water safety.”

Mitsui E&P Australia CEO Ken Yamamura said this partnership represented a vital investment in the safety and future of Mid West children.

“It is equipping more than 1,400 children with the skills they need to thrive in and around the water, and we are very proud to support the community of the Mid West in this way.”

Beach Energy Executive VP Onshore Assets Glenn Watt said Australia has so many different sources where people can be swimming be it on the beach or in pools.

“It’s incredibly important raise awareness and also raise a passion to look out for each other.”

Learn more about the partnership at the RLSWA website.