VACSWIM in APY Lands

23 November 2015

In early November, 4 instructors from Surf Life Saving SA delivered a water safety program to 60 children from across indigenous communities in the APY lands. The program was based in the Mimili school pool, and also attracted participants from Indulkana and Fregon communities.

Participants took part in a modified version of the program normally delivered  at the beaches, with a focus not only on being confident swimming in the water, but learning important messages about keeping themselves and others safe.

In the evenings, instructors also delivered CPR and other first aid courses for adults, and several people gained a new qualification during the week.

Surf Life Saving SA plan on returning to the APY lands in March to deliver the program in other community pools, and will be heading to SA's far west in late January to work with other indigenous communities.