We're surrounded by water, yet drowning remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in children in Australia. The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) says that preliminary data indicates that the summer just finished has been no exception.
One in five children will finish primary school this year without the ability to swim 50 metres or to stay afloat for two minutes, even if their life depended on it. While many Australian children are learning these valuable water safety skills, many are not due to a lack of access to swimming classes for one reason or another.
Long time supporter of swimming-related activity and healthy outdoor fun, Uncle Tobys, wants to help change this and has joined with RLSS to launch SwimKids Operation 10,000.
The aim of SwimKids Operation 10,000 is to raise funds to provide free swimming and water safety classes for 10,000 children – helped along by Uncle Tobys Ambassadors Olympian Cate Campbell and Paralympian Matt Cowdrey. Participants are 5-12 years of age, can be nominated by a registered charity and are selected by RLSS with the assistance of Barnardo’s Australia.
RLSS says that, as a guide:
- $15 will provide 1 swimming less for one child
- $45 will provide 3 swimming lessons for one child
- $75 will provide 5 swimming lessons for one child
- $150 will provide1 term of swimming and water safety lessons for one child
- $300 will provide a training program for a Swim and Survive Instructor in a regional location.
Meet Joseph who, thanks to SwimKids Operation 10,000, has turned a fear of water into a love of swimming.
You can make a donation here.
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