Six years after their first swimming lessons, Karen refugees Soo Hlaing Pethan and Ree Say Kunoo (pictured) have started work as lifeguards at Werribee’s outdoor pool.
Since arriving in Wyndham after spending years in a refugee camp on the Thai-Burmese border, the 16-year-olds have also taken up competitive swimming with the Wyndham Sharks.
The girls started swimming lessons at the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre through Life Saving Victoria’s multicultural learn to swim program.
The pair will work as part-time lifeguards at the outdoor pool while completing their VCE at Werribee Secondary College.
Life Saving Victoria multicultural services manager David Holland said Soo and Ree Say were role models to other migrants.
