By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
CHILDREN from disadvantaged backgrounds have been treated to free learn-to-swim lessons at Dandenong Oasis.
Many of the 21 budding swimmers, aged 5-12, are taking to it like the proverbial fish to water in the 16-week Swim and Survive program, organised by charity Barnardos Australia and Royal Life Saving.
Wayne Lucas, of Hampton Park Community House which oversees the program, said the children’s families had been priced out of private learn-to-swim lessons, which cost hundreds of dollars.
“Swimming lessons are on the bottom of the list of priorities when you have to struggle to put food on the table,” he said.
“It really should be part of the education system so children don’t miss out.”
The importance of those survival skills were underscored after three men, of Noble Park, Hampton Park and Pakenham, drowning in strong surf in separate incidents last Saturday week. Two died trying to save children.
Royal Life Saving says one in five children leave primary school unable to swim 50 metres or stay afloat for two minutes.
It says drowning is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in Australian children.
Mr Lucas said Barnardos was set to target children of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds for the next intake.
“For the families I asked to join, many didn’t have to be asked twice.”
Barnardos community program manager Sharnelle Magee said the program could save lives and also helped children be active, have fun, make friends and have confidence in the water .
Belgravia Leisure, which runs Dandenong Oasis, donated 1000 free swimming and water safety courses across Australia.
