Safely engaging with water – Launches at Cardinia Life!

On Saturday July 27, Cardinia Life proudly launched a new water safety initiative – Safely engaging with water.

This 10-week program is specifically targeted at members of the CALD community who do not feel confident or safe in and around water. The program differs from usual adult swim lessons, in that it is heavily focused on water safety, survival techniques and confidence around water. Participants will have 1 x 30-minute class each week with one of our qualified and passionate instructors, as well as unlimited access to Cardinia Life’s pool to practice their newly acquired skills throughout the duration of the program.

Prominent member of Cardinia’s CALD community, Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra from Officer Gurdwara, has been a driving force behind the initiation of this program after his community was rocked by multiple drownings last summer. Dr Kandra is working with Life Saving Victoria and many media outlets to bring to focus this critical issues in our community.

Head of Cardinia Life’s Swim School, Paula Smith says ‘Although the participants may not become Olympic swimmers, they will learn skills that may save their life or someone else, and to me that is better than any medal’.

‘Not only do we hope that this program improves confidence and safety around water, but that it allows participants the opportunity to enjoy spending time in and around water, creating opportunities to connect and have fun with their loved ones’, says Paige Kristalyn, Cardinia Leisure Manager.

Given Cardinia Shire’s significant growth in multicultural residents from many and varied cultures, the plan is to continue and expand this critical water safety initiative. With the hope to contribute to less tragedy in the summers to come.

Although the pilot program is at capacity, community can express their interest by clicking HERE and will be contacted for the next intake.

Saturday’s launch event saw the coming together of service provider, local, state and federal government, industry, media outlets and community in support of this much need initiative.