AnglicareSA’s New Arrivals Youth Services (NAYS) program has developed a swimming program to equip young people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities with essential water safety skills.

Its creation followed alarming statistics in 2019 that revealed 18 per cent of drownings across Australia involved individuals from these communities – highlighting the significant gap in water safety education and access among CALD populations.

NAYS case worker Djunus George, who facilitated the program, said since its inception 70 young people had completed the eight-session program.

“Many of these young people come from regions affected by conflict, displacement, or other challenging circumstances, where access to swimming lessons was limited or non-existent,” Djunus said.

“These young people have missed on the structured curriculum on water safety offered in primary school in Australia due to their ages upon their arrived in Australia.”

The program offers more than just swimming lessons with training in first aid and CPR also empowering young people to protect themselves and others in emergencies, whether in pools, rivers, creeks, or at the beach.

Across the course of eight sessions, Djunus said young people progressed from fear to confidence, gradually learning to swim in deeper water and developing a strong sense of safety.

“The response from the young people that have attended has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said.

“Our people express excitement and pride as they achieve milestones they never imagined, transitioning from initially anxious young people into confident swimmers who now look forward to being in the water.”

AnglicareSA Manager, Leaving and Post Care Services, Jenna Masi, said the NAYS program was committed to reducing drowning incidents in South Australia, with a focus on young people from CALD communities who often had limited access to swimming and water safety education.

“By running this program each year, AnglicareSA in partnership with the Aquadome in Elizabeth, not only teaches vital life-saving skills, including CPR and first aid, but also builds confidence, awareness, and independence in and around water.

“Through the NAYS swimming program, young people are empowered to enjoy the water safely, protect themselves and others, and develop lifelong skills that contribute to a long-term reduction in drowning risk within their communities.”