Why First Nation youth swimming lessons at Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre have been a success

A group of 23 First Nation youths from Liverpool have learnt how to swim in a free program thanks to an aquatic centre’s Return and Earn program. Here’s why the children love the program.

The First Nation children at the Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre. Picture: Supplied.

For the first time, Laura has been given the life changing opportunity of learning how to swim thanks to a free community program.

The 13-year-old is one of 23 First Nation youths in Liverpool who have learnt the crucial skill at the Marumali Swim Program, delivered by the Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre in partnership with Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council.

The program for First Nation youths aged from five to 12 years of age ran from February to April and was subsidised by funds from the Return and Earn program at Whitlam Leisure Centre.

Laura said the weekly lessons at the centre helped overcome her fear of swimming.

“At first I was scared to get into the swimming pool, but after a while I started having fun including going under the water,” she said.

The First Nation children at the Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre. Picture: Supplied.

“I’d love to come back again and I’m hoping they provide this program again so I can.”

Another student Harrison, aged nine, said the swimming program had “been the best.”

“I looked forward to every class and kept asking mum when the next one would be,” he said. “I’m so glad I’ve been able to learn how to swim because I know how important it is.”

Nine-year-old Harrison completed the Marumali Swim Program at the Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre. Picture: Supplied.

Belgravia Leisure NSW area manager Alex Simmons said the program was created after they identified a need to increase the accessibility and swimming skills of First Nation kids.

“The children learnt increased swimming ability and confidence, basic swimming skills such as floating and increased knowledge of water safety and rescue techniques,” he said.

Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council health promotion worker Brandon Brown said there had been a lot of interest from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“It’s been a huge success so far. It’s important for our young people to learn to swim well so they are safe in the water and it’s also a great way to keep active and healthy,” he said.

“The kids are taught in a culturally safe environment with the assistance of Marumali Aboriginal Health Outreach workers.”

The program was projected to run for 12 weeks but due to community demand it will continue for all four school terms next year and will be funded by the Return and Earn program.