FREE WATER EDUCATION TO MIGRANTS: Unley Pool

UNLEY SWIMMING CENTRE TO OFFER FREE WATER EDUCATION TO MIGRANTS IN BID TO REDUCE DROWNING RATE IN SA

Unley Swimming Centre has launched its annual ‘Friday for a Cause’ initiative with funds raised this season going to Surf Life Saving South Australia’s (SLSSA) education program for migrants.

From Friday February 2, casual entry to the pool after 4.30pm will be a gold coin donation. Funds will go directly to SLSSA so it can deliver water safety lessons for migrants and new arrivals at the pool as part of its ‘Ride the Wave’ community program.

According to Unley Swimming Centre Manager Nathan Byles, the six-week program will offer water safety sessions in an effort to reduce the rate of drowning in South Australia.

“There is no doubt that South Australia is currently experiencing extreme demand for affordable access to aquatic safety education and with the recent census data stating 48 per cent of South Australians are now first generation or new arrival migrants to Australia, this becomes even more important,” Mr Byles said

“In response to recent drownings in SA, Unley Swimming Centre has committed to doing everything in its power to address ongoing water education for migrants and new arrivals to South Australia.”.

Ride the Wave is a community program aimed at raising awareness of the lifesaving movement and surf sports. It will culminate in the opportunity for participants to take part in a community activity at the Lifesaving World Championships at Glenelg beach in late 2018.

The City of Unley and SLSSA first worked together in 2017 to run a highly successful water safety program, which has been extended to the Friday for a Cause initiative in 2018.

Ride the Wave water safety sessions will be conducted by qualified staff and volunteers from SLSSA and will be run on Friday evenings between February 9 and March 23, 2018. City of Unley and SLSSA have set a goal of educating 60 South Australians during this program.

Gold coin donation will only be available for casual entry to the Unley Swimming Centre and fees for professional lane space and pool bookings will continue to apply.

For further information regarding the Ride the Wave program or to register, please visit surflifesavingsa.com.au. Spaces will be offered on a first come first serve basis.