(Best-in-Class) Community and water competency

Community and
water competency
Pathways for new Australians

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BEST-IN-CLASS

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Overview

In Australia, refugees and asylum seekers face unique challenges, including the need to learn water competency in a country where swimming and aquatic activities are part of everyday life. Life Saving Victoria (LSV), based in Melbourne, has created a programme that teaches members of these communities water competency and how to swim, giving them essential life skills and helping them to integrate into society. From there, a platform has been established to train them to become lifeguards, swimming pool managers and other posts relating to swimming pools and water safety, further enhancing their integration and active participation in their new local communities.

“When I arrived in Australia, I didn’t have any sense of belonging. I didn’t know what I was doing. The water has given me a pathway. If it hadn’t been for the water, if I hadn’t learned to swim, I don’t know where I’d be now.”

Ramzi Hussaini, D&I Project Coordinator, LSV

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Points 
of interest

On average, 288 people drown in Australia annually, with approximately 25% being individuals born overseas.
Over 250,000 people have participated in LSV’s water safety activities since 2007.
The programme has trained 370 pool lifeguards, 95 swimming teachers and 166 surf lifesavers.
A study carried out by LSV with La Trobe University found that for every $1 invested the programme, there was a $14.85 return in social value.
Similar programmes operate in Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.

“The statistic that I don’t know about, but which I am very proud of, is how many people didn’t drown or didn’t get injured over the last 17 years thanks to the LSV initiative.”

David Holland, D&I Community Outreach, LSV

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Conclusions

Australia’s swimming and water safety programmes reflect a broad commitment to supporting diverse communities. By providing essential safety skills in a country where much of life is based in and around water, these programmes not only save lives but also build bridges between cultures, promoting a sense of belonging and community. This case study illustrates how targeted initiatives can transform challenges into opportunities for connection and growth, creating safer and more inclusive environments for all.