Only 20pc of schools have done the free swimming program with some doing ‘land-based’ lessons

‘Land-based’ swimming lessons provided as part of the government’s ambitious $3m plan to give all Territory primary students free swimming lessons. Read the details.

Some remote schools are providing land-based training as part of the government’s ambitious plan to provide free swimming lessons to all Territory primary students.

The Country Liberal Party (CLP) took the $3m plan to the election in response to the over-representation of the Northern Territory in national drowning statistics.

At parliamentary Estimates on June 16, Education Minister Jo Hersey described the program as “life-changing”.

“This investment will ensure all children learn essential life-changing swimming and water safety skills as part of their education,” the former swim teacher said.

She said 33 schools and 3648 students had taken part in the program by May 9.

Thirty-three schools represent just under 20 per cent of all eligible NT schools, with proximity to the nearest pool presenting a significant barrier for many remote schools.

NT Education Minister Jo Hersey used to teach swimming lessons in Katherine. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In the case of Shepherdson College in Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island, Ms Hersey inferred the students would need to get on a plane.

“Shepherdson College is working with their urban satellite school to schedule (swim) programs as students attend urban excursions,” she told the Estimates Committee.

A Department of Education spokesman used a remote Centralian school as an example of a success story.

Swimming lessons at a Remote Pools Project pool in Utju, Central Australia. Picture: Facebook

“Distances vary for the very remote schools,” the spokesman said.

“An example is Bonya School, in Central Australia accessing lessons 370km away in Alice Springs.

“The department supports schools to identify and connect with the closest pool provider and assist with transport and other resources where required.”

This assistance comes in the form of a $70 transport subsidy which all schools receive, whether they are in Casuarina or Maningrida.

Students at the Maningrida pool. Picture: NT Education and Training

Ms Hersey said so far no schools had applied for additional financial support for the program.

However, it was revealed in Estimates some schools are being forced to undertake “land-based” swimming lessons.

She said land-based lessons involved activities such as blowing bubbles in a shallow portable pool or learning about the safety aspects of swimming.

A department spokesman said land-based lessons were part of the “flexible delivery model”.

“Schools are provided with resources to deliver water safety education in a classroom/school-based setting for students unable to travel or participate,” he said.

Students enjoying the Tennant Creek pool. Picture: NT Education and Training

“Remote schools who must travel to access a pool may also choose to provide land-based lessons to young children with the intention of accessing the program in the later years of schooling.”

The department refused to disclose how many schools are doing “land-based” lessons, but travel times between the nearest pool and remote schools paints a picture of the inherent challenges this ambitious program faces.

At least 28 schools face a three-hour plus journey each way, with multiple schools requiring flights or a ferry to access their nearest pool.