SWIM It Forward fundraising initiative reaches $50,000 in donations

The SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM) fundraising project - SWIM It Forward - has seen aquatic communities and businesses help fund lifesaving swimming lessons for close to 40 families across Australia.

The fundraising initiative was first introduced in 2019 to assist disadvantaged Australian families to take the financial barrier out of the equation and enrol their children into learn to swim lessons.

The innovative aquatic industry project has officially reached $50,000 in donations - the campaigns’ half way mark of the total goal $100,000, with 100% of collected donations being allocated toward funded lessons for families in need.

Recent research conducted by SWIM shows that 55% of all Australian children are not learning to swim due to the cost to enrol in lessons, with over eight million swimming lessons missed during COVID.

SWIM Chief Executive Bredon Ward notes “In 2021 alone, twelve Aussie kids under 5 years old drowned, with many more in near drownings and resuscitations. We are yet to see the numbers come through from this summer, but we believe this year will be higher across this age group and older. This is unacceptable.

“We believe learning to swim is a lifesaving skill every child should receive regardless of income or ability and our aim is to help more children receive this vital education and lifelong skill. For every child we help place into a learn to swim program, the more we lower the risk of drowning deaths, and grow confidence in our kids to love swimming and the water.”

Swim schools and their families in need are encouraged to submit their application through the SWIM It Forward website, with much funding still available to be distributed.

Donations are open on the SWIM It Forward webpage, https://asf.org.au/projects/swim-australia/swim-it-forward. Top donations currently include Puddle Pics and Paul Sadler Swimland in Victoria.

SWIM is dedicated to developing world leading practises in the education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for swimming Coaches and swimming and water safety Teachers, as well as developing and empowering our swim school network through the delivery of world’s best practice guidelines, professional development programs, growth opportunities and business support.