Published 25 March 2022

Children from Bhutan and Afghanistan to learn vital life saving skills

An innovative program to help young Tasmanian migrants learn the joys of swimming is being offered in Launceston.

Run by Royal Life Saving Tasmania in partnership with The Migrant Resource Centre and Scotch Oakburn College, the water safety classes have been held for 11 children aged between six and 12 from Bhutan and Afghanistan.

_{(SAFETY: Ali Heydari and Hasina Heydair with 1964 Tokyo olympic swimmer Peter Tonkin, holding the 2000 Sydney Olympics torch at Scotch Oakburn College's pool. Picture: Phillip Biggs)}

The classes are part of an Inland Waterways Program for which Royal Life Saving receives funding from the Australian Government.

Royal Life Saving Tasmania Project & Programs Manager, Karina Siggins said the classes were a unique opportunity for migrant children to catch up to their peers in water safety knowledge.

“Tasmania has beautiful inland waterways, but they can be treacherous if you don’t know the risks,” Ms Siggins said.

“The flat, still surface of an inland waterway can give a false sense of security. Currents, undertows or submerged objects – even in seemingly tranquil waterways – can prove to be very dangerous.

“The children in this course come from Afghanistan and Bhutan where people don’t tend to swim for recreation.

“Tasmanians love swimming, we love getting in the water and boating, fishing, and kayaking. But to take part in these activities you need that fundamental water safety knowledge and swimming ability.

“Seeing the children’s joy at getting in the water is beautiful.”