Migrant students make a splash in Margaret River

A group of culturally and linguistically diverse residents have been taking part in some essential swimming lessons, thanks to a partnership between South Regional TAFE and the Margaret River Recreation Centre.

The initiative began when South Regional TAFE reached out to the Rec Centre and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Community Development team, having identified an opportunity to combine valuable water safety skills with language education.

Twelve adult students in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at the Margaret River campus are participating in the unique swimming and language program over eight weeks.

Shire President Julia Meldrum said the program aligned with the Shire’s focus of “supporting and strengthening a diverse, resilient, welcoming, safe and connected community”.

“One of our goals is to provide services and facilitate initiatives to build a more accessible and inclusive community, so we are so pleased to be able to provide these residents with access to the Recreation Centre where they can learn valuable skills from our incredible team,” she said.

Learn to Swim Program Team Leader Sally-Ann Whelan echoed her sentiments.

“This is such a great initiative and I’m so happy that we have been able to provide this program to such an amazing group of people,” she said.

“They were all very excited, and nervous, when I first met them.”

Sally-Ann said for some of the students, the lessons were the first time they had been in the water.

“We have three teachers in the water with them to help create a safe and supportive learning environment and it’s been fantastic to see their progression and confidence grow throughout each of the lessons.”

After lessons, participants have lunch and a follow up ‘dry’ lesson with their TAFE English lecturer and swimming instructors to learn different swimming phrases, review their progress, and discuss strategies to overcome fears.

Student Janse Wila Lomi said she was taking part because she wanted to swim with her daughter.

“I felt so happy to learn new skills like ‘face in the water’, ‘blowing bubbles with nose and mouth’ and ‘take a breath’. I will keep practising until I am confident,” she said.

Another student, Bilal Khan agreed. “I want to be fit because swimming is exercise for the whole body. I want to enjoy lakes and the ocean. If you know swimming, you can enjoy more.”

TAFE lecturer Kathleen O’Shea said that they were pleased to deliver the lessons as part of the program.

“Swimming lessons are an exciting – and life-changing – way for students to develop language skills, while contributing to their academic progress in nationally recognised training,” Ms O’Shea said.

Students have also taken part in other community programs, including surf lifesaving training, and make visits to local spots like the Community Garden, Community Pantry, the Margaret River Library and local retail outlets.

Residents can learn more about free English lessons with South Regional TAFE through the Adult Migrant English Program, at southregionaltafe.wa.edu.au/amep

Culturally and linguistically diverse residents are over-represented in Australian drowning statistics.

Thursday 25 July was World Drowning Prevention Day which aims to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offers life-saving solutions to prevent it.

The Margaret River Recreation Centre team showed their support for the day, by wearing blue and sharing important reminders with the community on social media.

These reminders included enrolling in swimming lessons, supervising children, checking pool fences and gates, and becoming a pool lifeguard or swim teacher.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River currently has Expressions of Interest open for Swim Teachers and Pool Lifeguards.

To find out more or apply, visit www.amrshire.wa.gov.au

The Adult Migrant English Program is funded by the Department of Home Affairs.