Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Water safety

Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (18:06): (1423) My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Education, and my ask is: how is your government’s recent announcement of the $73.4 million investment in swimming lessons going to uplift multicultural communities, who are among the most at risk when it comes to water safety, drownings and participation?

Over the summer months I have heard growing concerns from my constituents in the Northern Metro about the inaccessibility of swimming lessons. In our region a single 30-minute children’s swimming lesson costs approximately $21, adding up to $210 per term per child. For families with multiple children this cost becomes a significant barrier to keeping their children and themselves safe in the water. Northern Metro is one of the most diverse and multicultural regions in Victoria, home to many migrants and refugees. For these communities, additional barriers can make it even harder to access swimming lessons. Language differences can make it difficult for families to sign up or fully understand what is being taught. Cultural expectations around swimming attire or mixed-gender lessons can deter families from participation. And for many, juggling work, child care and settlement challenges means they simply do not have time for lessons.

Tragically, we know that migrants and refugees are at higher risk of drowning. Life Saving Victoria’s annual drowning report states that people born overseas accounted for 42 per cent of drowning deaths in Victoria. The government’s announcement last December of 900,000 extra school swimming lessons is a positive step. Teaching kids to swim is essential. It saves lives. However, as the Greens party spokesperson for multiculturalism and ageing I am concerned that this program may not reach many of those most at risk.

Many migrants and refugees do not have access to school-based swimming programs. Too often they are left out of lessons because of financial, cultural or language barriers. It is clear there is a need to offer swimming lessons in community settings, not just within schools. This means ensuring there are culturally inclusive swimming instructors, translated materials and partnerships with community leaders to encourage participation. It is important that public pools and local swimming spots are welcoming and accessible for everyone. Water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Water safety is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Every person, no matter where they come from, should have the chance to learn to swim and stay safe in the water.

Minister, my ask again is: how is your recent $73.4 million investment in swimming lessons going to uplift multicultural communities, who are among the most at risk when it comes to water safety, drownings and participation?