Migrant swim program designed to improve beach and water safety

The region’s migrant community can enjoy the Sunshine Coast’s quintessential beach and water-based lifestyle safely thanks to the new Migrant Swim and Beach Safety Awareness Program starting in February.

Sunshine Coast Council, Unitywater and Nambour Community Centre have joined forces with Queensland Surf Lifesaving and Queensland Government to provide the free programs for migrants over the age of 10.

Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the programs would benefit people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

“Feedback from the community engagement phase of the Sunshine Coast Multicultural Action Plan highlighted a need for increased water safety education programs for migrants,” Cr McKay said.

“I am pleased to announce two programs will commence in February, with more sessions to follow in 2018.

“The Migrants Take the Plunge program will provide free swimming lessons for residents over 10 years of age at Nambour and Mountain Creek Aquatic Centres, followed by beach safety awareness sessions delivered by Surf Life Saving Queensland.

“The Women Take the Plunge program was specifically designed for women from multicultural backgrounds to take part in beginner swimming and beach safety classes in a culturally safe and friendly environment.

“These programs will no doubt ensure our multicultural community can participate in water-based activities safely when enjoying our wonderful Sunshine Coast beaches and waterways.”

Unitywater community relations specialist Kate Cash said they were thrilled to support such an important initiative as part of their Community Sponsorship Program.

“We have no doubt these programs will ensure our local multicultural community can safely enjoy our wonderful Sunshine Coast beaches and waterways,” she said.

Surf Life Saving Queensland multicultural programs coordinator Scott Harrison said programs such as Migrants Take the Plunge would help save lives through education and awareness.

“Tragically, in the past, international tourists, migrants, refugees and other people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have been over-represented in Queensland’s drowning figures, and that’s why initiatives such as this are so important,” Mr Harrison said.

“We spend a lot of time working with multicultural communities and equipping them with some of the skills, knowledge and awareness they can use to help stay safe on Queensland beaches.

“Importantly, we’re starting to see a decline in the number of international drownings on Queensland beaches, which has been a wonderful outcome.

“By engaging directly with multicultural communities and international travellers, we’re able to educate them about how to stay safe on Queensland beaches by swimming at the red and yellow flags and provide them with some basic water safety skills which they will hopefully take with them for the rest of their lives.”

The Australian and Queensland Governments, through the Embracing 2018 Legacy Program for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, provided funding to Sunshine Coast Council and partners to deliver the Migrants Take the Plunge program.

The Women Take the Plunge Program is funded through the Unitywater Community Sponsorship Program.

For full details, eligibility criteria and to register, visit council’s website.