Sunshine Coast Council’s migrant swim initiative set for 2021 program

March 10, 2021

Registrations are now open for migrants ready to jump into the Migrant Learn to Swim and Beach Safe program run by Sunshine Coast Council and Royal Life Saving Society Queensland.

The popular classes are designed specifically for migrant men and women and will be held at Goodlife Community Centre, Buderim (women only), Nambour and Caloundra Aquatic Centres, plus Bulcock Beach, Caloundra, for seven weeks from 20th March.

Indian migrant Monika Manot, who lives with her family on the Sunshine Coast and participated in the program last year, commented “I always had a fear of water and I didn’t know how to swim when I first came to Australia..

“The lovely instructors gave us lessons on how to be comfortable in the water, what to do and what not to do when you panic. I enjoyed the lessons, they gave an opportunity to meet other migrants as well.

“If you’re thinking about learning to swim or coming down to the beach make sure you give the program a go.”

Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said people living healthy and active lifestyles was a key goal of council’s Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041.

Councillor Law advised “this is a great opportunity for migrants to build their confidence in the water and at the beach and make new connections with others.

“The program is aligned with the Swim and Survive program, which is Australia’s only swimming program aligned to the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework, and also the only program endorsed by Education Queensland.”

Royal Surf Life Saving Society - Queensland Executive Director Paul Barry, said for people born overseas, the beach was the second most common place to drown.

Barry noted “beach safety is paramount and the program can accept people who may have very little swimming skills.

“The program is not just swimming lessons, but also includes water safety and survival components.

“This includes things such as floating, wearing lifejackets, survival techniques and aquatic fitness. During the beach components, participants will learn about the ocean including things such as rips, currents, lifeguards, and safe and unsafe swimming locations.

“This is also about encouraging people to become active and enjoy the water in a safe manner. Research has shown that a fit and healthy lifestyle helps reduce social isolation and for those who may be new to Australia, social inclusion into the Australian lifestyle and culture becomes a way of life.”

The program is also supported by the Federal Government.

Image: Monika Manot. Credit: Sunshine Coast Council.

8th March 2021 - Sunshine Coast Council backs Parks Week 2021

27th December 2020 - Sunshine Coast Council flags need to stay safe while enjoying beach and park highlights

24th March 2020 - Sunshine Coast Council announces closure of all aquatic centres

22nd February 2021 - Sunshine Coast innovative healthy ageing forum a success

3rd March 2021 - Royal Life Saving invites nominations to the National Aquatic Industry Committee

23rd November 2020 - Royal Life Saving’s latest Keep Watch campaign highlights tragic drowning toll among children aged under 12 months

6th October 2020 - Royal Life Saving concerned over significant fall in swimming lesson enrolments

18th September 2020 - Royal Life Saving and Surf Life Saving Australia report males account for 80% of all drowning deaths

27th February 2020 - Royal Life Saving helps new migrants with learn to swim and water safety program

19th December 2019 - Royal Life Saving WA partners with LIWA Aquatics to stress water safety vigilance over summer holidays

16th August 2018 - Royal Life Saving WA provides Swim and Survive program for CaLD children

25th January 2021 - Surf Life Saving Australia warns drowning deaths more likely on public holidays

30th September 2020 - CQU researcher seeks input with study into drowning prevention strategies

30th July 2020 - New research has potential to reduce risk of drownings at Australian aquatic facilities

1st March 2021 - Research sheds light on supervision issues at public aquatic facilities

9th August 2016 - Western Australian swimming programs engage CaLD women

11th June 2019 - Swimming and water safety program aids migrants in northern NSW

15th June 2018 - Education program teaches youth migrants how to stay safe in Australian waters

23rd January 2013 - Water Safety Program for Illawarra Migrants

11th November 2010 - Coastal drownings prompts new campaign for international tourists and migrants

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.