In the same way learning to drive can help migrants enjoy the best opportunities Australia has to offer, Harpreet Singh Kandra says people settling here should also learn to swim
It’s a message that has particular importance for Victoria’s Indian community, which was rocked by multiple drownings last summer.
Harpreet Singh Kandra says now is the time to increase water safety awareness for adults.Credit: Justin McManus
Kandra, a community volunteer and senior lecturer in water engineering at Federation University, vowed he would learn how to swim not just for safety, but so he can enjoy playing in the water with his nine-year-old daughter.
He is now looking to bring many other adults with him via a pilot program being run in south-east Melbourne with Lifesaving Victoria and pool operator Aligned Leisure.
“I think we know the community needs to own the problem because it’s a skill that we should acquire,” he said, ahead of Saturday’s launch.
“When you come to Australia, you learn driving because it gives you bread and butter. In the same way, we need to learn swimming to be able to enjoy life [here].
The scheme will initially provide subsidised lessons for 20 adults, 10 men and 10 women, over a 10-week program.
The lessons were heavily subsidised by Aligned Leisure.
Additionally, Lifesaving Victoria strategic adviser for diversity David Holland said the organisation would provide incursions to community halls and places of worship as well as excursions to beaches and pools to improve water safety education.