Swimming program helps build independence for Murwillumbah High School students

15 students from the special needs Support Unit at Murwillumbah High School are one of the first groups to be part of SWIMS 4 ALL, the new initiative between Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and UNCLE TOBYS to get more Australian's swimming and active in the water.

The SWIMS 4 ALL program is designed to get more Australians active, having fun and growing their confidence in the water. The program supports a variety of swimming based activities across Australia.

The Murwillumbah High School students, aged from 14 to 18 years, have had limited experience with formal swimming and water safety lessons. Royal Life Saving, Murwillumbah High School and Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre, have developed a specially tailored program to encourage a lifelong love of the water. Important skills such as floating, using floatation devices, and improving their swimming strokes are included.

Pamela Matthews, Teacher at Murwillumbah High School explained “initially the students only felt comfortable where they could stand in the pool. Thanks to the SWIMS 4 ALL program the students are receiving structured lessons to extend their swimming ability and build their confidence.”

Matthews hopes that the students will feel more confident in the water, and learn the skills to be able to join the other students in school swimming carnivals and continue to swim independently, adding “learning how to swim is an important milestone for the students to work towards their own independence. Swimming and water safety lessons are not just a valuable life-skill, it’s such an important part of being part of the community.

“Being able to swim and safely recreate around water opens up many new opportunities.”

Jason Phillips, Regional Manager, Royal Life Saving Society – New South Wales concluded “Royal Life Saving believes that every person has the right to learn basic swimming, water safety, survival and rescue skills, regardless of their cultural background, geographic location, or socio-economic situation.

“SWIMS 4 ALL gives us the ability to run more programs throughout the country.

“Playing in backyard swimming pools, picnics by the river, and splashing around at the beach are very much a part of everyday life in Australia. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our beautiful waterways and stay safe wherever they are.”

To find out more about SWIMS 4 ALL and to get involved visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/swims-4-all

Image used for illustrative purposes only.

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