The Albanese Government is helping more Australians stay safe in and around the water with applications open now for the WE SWIM Multicultural Community Water Safety Program.
Delivered by the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, WE SWIM seeks to reduce the risk of drowning, remove barriers to swimming and water safety education and build belonging for refugees, recently arrived migrants and multicultural communities.
Councils, multicultural community and settlement organisations, water-safety organisations, aquatic centre and swim schools can apply for a share in the $5 million grants program.
People born overseas account for one in three drowning deaths in Australia. Lack of awareness of local water hazards plus financial, language and cultural barriers contribute to lower swimming and water safety skills among multicultural communities.
WE SWIM will help ensure everyone can feel safe and confident around the water, regardless of their background.
The program aligns with the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 and its national target to reduce drowning by 50 per cent by 2030.
