RLSWA partnership subsidises swimming lessons for Mid West children as drowning rates among highest in WA

A new partnership will offer discounted swimming and water safety lessons to more than 1400 children in the Mid West, easing cost-of-living pressures and encouraging water safety skills. Royal Life Saving WA has joined forces with resources companies Mitsui E&P Australia and Beach Energy to deliver subsidised Swim and Survive programs in Geraldton, Coorow, Eneabba and Mullewa aimed at boosting children’s confidence in the water. According to RLSWA, 21 per cent of primary school-aged children in WA do not participate in swimming lessons each year, with regional areas being the most affected. RLSWA CEO Peter Leaversuch said knowing how to swim was a vital life skill, particularly for WA children, who are at higher risk of drowning due to exposure to pools, rivers and beaches. “Children who miss out on swimming and water safety education face an increased risk of drowning, as they may lack the essential water skills and confidence needed to stay safe around water,” he said. “These lessons not only teach swimming techniques but also survival strategies, such as floating, treading water and self-rescue skills that are crucial for water safety.” Mr Leaversuch said the Mid West had the second-highest drowning rate in WA, after 40 people drowned in the last decade. “It’s clear that many West Australians lack essential water safety skills, such as swimming, floating and self-rescue which is contributing to this increased drowning risk and highlights the importance of making programs accessible to all,” he said. The partnership aims to assist families facing cost-of-living pressures to get their kids in the water and learning, and reduce drowning rates in WA. “Our goal is to make sure that no child misses out on learning how to swim and survive by making programs more accessible and inclusive,” Mr Leaversuch said. Mitsui E&P Australia CEO Ken Yamamura said the partnership was a vital investment in the safety and future of Mid West children. “It is equipping more than 1400 children with the skills they need to thrive in and around the water, and we are very proud to support the community of the Mid West in this way,” he said. For more information visit royallifesavingwa.com.au. Beach Energy’s biggest shareholder is Seven Group Holdings, which controls Seven West Media, the owner of the Geraldton Guardian.