Young ones learn how to swim and survive

Western English Language School pupils (L-R Myat Taw Htoo, Ismail and Moe Chit Oo. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

These pupils from Werribee’s Western English Language School finished their school year with a splash.

Forty children from the school received free swimming lessons earlier this month as part of Royal Life Saving’s swim and survive program.

Many of the pupils are migrants new to Australia.

David Holland from Life Saving Victoria said the program made it possible for children who are likely to have missed out on private swimming lessons to learn vital swimming and lifesaving skills.

“Royal Life Saving believes that every person has the right to learn basic swimming, water safety, survival and rescue skills, regardless of who they are or where they live,” Mr Holland said.

Western English Language School teacher Claire Kelly added: “Swimming lessons are not just a valuable life skill. For people newly arrived to Australia, it’s such an important part of being socially included.”