Belgravia Leisure trials inclusive ‘All In’ swimming program at Knox Leisureworks 

Knox Leisureworks Aquatic and Recreation Centre in the Melbourne suburb of Boronia recently partnered with the Belgravia Foundation and the Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne) (MIC) to trial ‘All In’ - an eight week swimming program. Owned by Knox City Council, Knox Leisureworks Aquatic and Recreation Centre is managed by Belgravia Leisure and caters to people of all ages and abilities.

The ‘All In’ program is designed to help participants build their confidence in and around the water, while also building swim instructors’ confidence and capacity to welcome, support and include people of a disability and diversity in aquatic experiences.

According to Royal Life Saving Australia, some populations, such as ethnic minorities and migrants, are at greater risk of drowning. Swimming and water play are such a big part of life here in Australia, making swimming skills and water safety incredibly important for all Australians.

Across the trial program, Knox Leisureworks engaged with six people with a disability as well as 22 participants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including young people aged five – 12 years identifying from the Zomi community.

To ensure the Swim Teacher could communicate effectively, demonstrate and be hands-on with students, the children were placed in small classes of five. Participants were taught basic water safety skills in addition to activity-based learning techniques. At the end of program, students received a certificate highlighting their achievements and the skills they obtained. By having a certificate, participants can transition directly into a GOSwim class.

Speaking of the program, Sawm Suante, Settlement and Project Worker at the Migrant Information Centre advised “The ‘All In’ Swimming Program is a fantastic program as it focuses on people who really needed special support. I have been working at Migrant Information Centre Eastern Melbourne (MIC) for 11 years and organise a lot of programs. This particular program is one of the few programs where I do not have to send reminders to participants! The participants are ready and eager to join another swimming program.”

The ‘All In’ program was created by the Belgravia Foundation whose mission is connecting the community to sport, leisure, fitness and recreation to ensure no one misses out. To help embed the program at Knox Leisureworks, the Belgravia Foundation recently applied for a grant through Knox City Council’s Community Development Fund to ensure the program is not only successful, but sustainable in the future.

To learn more about the Belgravia Foundation, visit belgraviafoundation.org.au/

For more information about Swimming Lessons at Knox Leisureworks, visit knoxleisureworks.com.au/learn-to-swim/children