AusLeisure

Registrations have now opened for the 2013 YMCA Swimathon, which will be held at over 50 local YMCAs across the nation on Sunday 3rd March.

The YMCA Swimathon encourages people of all ages and abilities to dive in and swim laps to help give everyone in their local community the chance to learn vital swimming and water safety skills.

YMCA Australia Chief Executive Ron Mell, who has already signed up, explains "the ability to enjoy water and learn to swim is an important life skill, just like reading or writing.

"But what if you have a disability, come from a country where you may have never seen a pool before, or your parents can't afford lessons?

"We believe there should be no barriers to anyone being able to learn to enjoy and be safer in and around water. Funds raised from the YMCA Swimathon will be reinvested in the local community wherever the event was held locally, to support individuals and families in need."

The YMCA also wishes to promote water safety awareness, with 284 Australians drowning last year.

Seven-year-old Chloe from NSW's Hunter region has been attending the YMCA's Learn-to-Swim program for people with a disability at Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre for the past five years and is a YMCA Swimathon ambassador for 2013.

In 2010, Chloe, who has Down Syndrome, was faced with a situation that could have taken her life she jumped into the family's pool without any supervision or her flotation device. Luckily, Chloe was able to swim to safety as a result of learning to swim.

He mum, Michelle recalls "I have no doubt that if it wasn't for these lessons, Chloe would no longer be with us."

Mell said while Chloe's story ended positively, sadly many Australians do not have access to swimming lessons with those from newly arrived communities, people with disabilities, Indigenous and disadvantaged Australians most at risk.

Mell adds "we're asking everyone to pledge how far they will swim and how much they will raise to fund vital swimming lessons for people in need in their local community. At the YMCA, we believe there should be no barrier to anyone being able to learn to swim and feel confident in the water.

"And we want to help save more lives."

Registrations are free and open now at at any participating YMCA or online at www.ymcaswimathon.org.au

17th March 2012 - YMCA SWIMATHON RAISES MORE THAN $100,000 TO HELP AUSTRALIANS IN NEED

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