A group of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) adults who live on the Coast are now much safer in the water, thanks to funding from Central Coast Council.

Council’s Community Grants Program provided $11,850 to Royal Life Saving NSW to run a 10-week swimming and water safety program for 50 adults.

Royal Life Saving NSW Hunter/Central Coast Regional Manager Tanya Brunckhorst said the number of new migrants unable to swim is extremely high in comparison to other Australians, and members of the CALD community were often unaware of the importance of water safety.

“In 2016-17, 93 people drowned in NSW, which is more than any other state or territory,” Ms Brunckhorst said.

“A number of these drownings were people from CALD backgrounds.

“The CALD swimming and water safety program has been a great success. Each lesson, participants learnt basic swimming and survival techniques including floating, movement skills, basic rescues and stroke development.

“Children from CALD communities also have low rates of participation in swimming lessons. The program has not only taught CALD parents how to swim but hopefully they will see the importance of this vital life skill and enrol their children in learn-to-swim programs.”

Mayor Jane Smith said community safety was a key priority for Council and supporting programs such as this meant people from CALD backgrounds would be better able to enjoy the Coastal lifestyle.

“Council is proud to be able to help fund projects which enable residents to participate in an active lifestyle,” Mayor Smith said.

“The newly acquired skills and water confidence will equip the participants in this program with the ability to enjoy the Coast’s many waterways, leisure centres and backyard pools.”

Applications are now open for Council’s grants and sponsorship program. For more information, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/funding.