Swim Sense program empowers adults in the water

Published on 08 March 2021

Almost 250 people drowned in Australian waterways in the 12 months to June 2020.

45% were adults and 80% were men.

These sobering figures demonstrate just how important it is that our community learns to swim, including adults.

Blacktown City Council Key Venues has committed itself to lift the swimming competence level of adults in the community with its Swim Sense program.

Launched in January, the free program covers pool safety, beach safety, basic ‘learn to swim’ and overall water confidence.

The inaugural program received an enthusiastic response from the Blacktown City community, with 90 adults taking part.

The program was run at Council’s 5 leisure and aquatic centres and saw an even mix of males and females taking part, with a high proportion of participants from a multicultural background.

Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “Learning to swim and being safe and confident in the water is a very important life skill.”

“Blacktown City Council’s Key Venues section has a strong history of implementing drowning prevention campaigns to ensure a safe and dynamic environment is offered at our award-winning facilities.

“Swim Sense is a great initiative that provides adult residents with the knowledge they need to begin their learn-to-swim journey.

“Our hope is that they will continue learning to swim, through our Aqua Learn to Swim program.”

The Swim Sense program equips participants with vital knowledge as well as practical experience in the water.

“The drowning statistics are alarming – but they also recognise where there is a need for more swim education,” Mayor Bleasdale added.

“It’s very important that people of all ages and backgrounds learn to be safe and confident swimmers so we can work towards reducing the number of drownings.

“These skills are fundamental whether at the local pool, the beach, rivers or lakes. The safety and well-being of our community is our number one priority.”

For further information on Blacktown City Council’s learn to swim program please visit: www.aqualearntoswim.com.au

*Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2020.