FOR AUSTRALIAN children, swimming is a part of everyday life.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But, for the international families that move here it can be a completely foreign experience.
University of New England International Hub coordinator Dunya Alruhaimi is trying to change that.
“Swimming is very important here in Australia and at least they can then survive in the water,” Ms Alruhaimi said.
Over the school holidays, swimming lessons are offered at a discounted price to international families as part of a program to make them more comfortable in Australia.
The intensives are taught by Harwood Swim School.
Head coach James Harwood said it’s important for the parents and children to learn water safety for different types of water.
“We run a week or two week intensive, they come every day,” he said.
“It’s difficult because people like Dunya have grown up in countries where swimming is just not a priority at all.
“They come out to Australia where all we do is swim, they want to be a part of that culture, part of going to the beach and swimming in pools.
“They’re very keen for their kids to learn and they’re actually very keen themselves to learn.”
The lessons not only help save lives, but have the added bonus of giving international families an opportunity to rub shoulders with Australians.
Ms Alruhaimi said it can be hard for these families to find friends outside their cultural group.
“The parents like the swimming course because they can talk to other parents about life in Australia,” she said.
“Their kids also get to meet other kids and make friends.
“As soon as we advertise the lessons they fill up very quickly.”
Previously Harwood Swim School ran lessons in CPR for beach safety.
Now, more than 30 kids take part in the international swimming program every school holidays.
For information contact the UNE International Hub.