Swimming is one of the most popular forms of physical recreation in Australia however adult participation has dropped off in recent years, and many minority groups are missing out on learning to swim altogether.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia and UNCLE TOBYS have launched SWIMS 4 ALL, a new initiative to get more Australian’s swimming and active in the water.
The program encourages people of all ages across Australia to get into the water for fun, fitness and good health through public awareness and education initiatives.
According to Justin Scarr, CEO of Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, the program meets the pressing need to get more Australians swimming with confidence.
“SWIMS 4 ALL gives us the ability to run more programs targeting more Australians in local and community swimming pools throughout the country,” said Mr Scarr. “That translates directly to boosted water safety and confidence levels, including in inland and regional areas where swimming proficiency can be lower than in metropolitan and coastal areas.”
The program supports learn-to-swim and aqua fitness classes, recreational water opportunities and support for the most vulnerable communities.
Olympic swimming gold medallist and UNCLE TOBYS ambassador, Cate Campbell, highlights that it is not just children who will benefit.
“We’re privileged to be part of a program that’s about giving more people the chance to experience the simple joy of being in the water, including older Australians who need a health and confidence boost or people who just haven’t had the opportunity to learn to swim.”
“Swimming and having access to the water has been an integral part of mine and
Bronte’s lives growing up. Unfortunately that’s not the case for everyone, which is why Australia needs a program like this,” she said.
SWIMS 4 ALL funded programs have begun across the country, with the first program taking place in Tennant Creek, Northern Territory which taught 19 children from the remote community of Owairtilla swimming and lifesaving skills.
UNCLE TOBYS spokesperson, Lisa May, said, “UNCLE TOBYS is all about providing good energy to fuel active, healthy lifestyles and swimming has been part of our heritage for more 30 years. SWIMS 4 ALL has been launched to encourage Australians of all ages to get into the water and enjoy it.”
UNCLE TOBYS and Royal Life Saving are calling on all Australians to join the SWIMS 4 ALL initiative by visiting their local pool or aquatic centre and have a swim.
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