Making a Splash: Diverse Kids Embrace Swimming at Bluewater

Published on 14 February 2025

Children from culturally diverse backgrounds enjoyed their first ever time swimming at Colac’s Bluewater Leisure Centre over the summer holidays.

Bluewater hosted swim lessons for two Cultura groups in January, introducing them to the pool and teaching them about water safety.

The primary and secondary-aged students are members of Colac’s Homework Club, a Cultura initiative at Colac Neighbourhood House under the guidance of coordinator Brittany Williams.

The weekly homework club provides students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with a place to study after school, with volunteers offering one-on-one support.

Students can complete their homework and practise skills, while families can stay for a chat and learn about local services.

Staff from Bluewater visited the club in December to provide water safety information to students and their families.

Students then participated in swimming classes at Bluewater during January. The four sessions attracted an average of 12 students and their families.

Cultura’s Strategic Partnership Program Coordinator Francesca Grossi said the group had a mix of swimming abilities, and for some children it was their first time in a swimming pool. 

“It is huge milestone for them in overcoming their fear of water. We were so happy the students embraced the opportunity with such a positive attitude,” Francesca said.

The lessons included activities such as swimming through hoops, practising survival strokes, and engaging in fun, skill-building games.

They then enjoyed supervised free play in the pool with their parents.

“The program was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with others while also developing essential water safety skills,” Francesca said.

“Cultura’s Homework Club continues to flourish, and we welcome more students and their families to join,” she said.

Bluewater’s swim school team leader Kirilee Wilson said the program was an example of Bluewater’s commitment to educating the community about water safety, and fostering a joy of swimming.

“Welcoming Cultura to Bluewater has been wonderful because the kids embraced the pool and enjoyed their day at the pool,” Kirilee said.

“Initially the lesson was very quiet but by the end of the first session it was all happy smiles and excited children enjoying themselves. It’s a big transformation,” she said.

“We’re hoping to continue with the connection – a few of the parents are now wanting to learn to swim. I think it’s important that children and the whole family are able to swim.”

Bluewater also offered an intensive swimming program at a reduced price this summer.

Kirilee said there was good take-up of the program, which led to people continuing in programs through the year and being part of the Bluewater community.

“We had quite a few new adults join swim lessons over the summer,” she said.

“The whole Bluewater team loves seeing the children and families enjoying the pool and feeling welcomed into the facility.”

IMAGE 

Bluewater staff and Homework Club members had a blast at the water skills program. Pictured with the children are Bluewater team members Jemma McCann and Eric Membrey.