Sunshine Coast swimming programme empowers communities with lifesaving skills

The Sunshine Coast Survival Swimming Programme was established in response to a devastating incident that shook the Kenton on Sea community.

Following the tragic drownings of four youths on New Year’s 2023, Carol Mewse of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) approached NSRI Station 11 Commander Chris Pike for suggestions on a solution to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Chris suggested that Carol approach the NSRI Drowning Prevention Team to discuss the possibility of bringing the Survival Swimming Programme to the area.

The NSRI Survival Swimming Programme, initially launched in 2020, provides free lessons taught in public swimming pools or built-for-purpose swimming pool containers by full-time NSRI instructors and volunteers. After initial discussions with the Drowning Prevention Team, a site survey, and a training session, Carol was given the go-ahead to run the programme.

The idea was embraced by the newly formed Water Safety Committee in Kenton on Sea and later expanded to Port Alfred, thanks to enthusiastic support from Carey Webster, the owner of Outdoor Focus.

The programme officially launched in Kenton on Sea and Port Alfred in November 2023, and is the first community volunteer only, open water Survival Swimming programme nationally providing survival swimming and water safety education in several locations.

Unique challenges arose due to the need to conduct lessons in rivers, which necessitated the development of demarcated swim areas using float ropes. Carol explains, "We designed a simple 'Float Rope', a 15m x 15m area with rope threaded through pool noodles and red buoys in the corners to aid flotation."

This innovative solution was crucial for ensuring safe instruction environments. The community's generosity played a significant role in the programme's success, with donations of swimming costumes and towels, ensuring that all learners could participate, regardless of their economic background.

Carol noted the support received, saying, "We actually got a grant from the 2023 Seagull Regatta, and with that money, we were able to get additional towels, pop-up changing rooms, a beach trolley, and pink wristbands. We issue the wristbands to the learners so that we know that they are part of the lesson, and we number them to speed up the process."

Water Safety Education (WSE) has been integral to the programme, transforming it into engaging, activity-based sessions. Carey's expertise allowed these sessions to be adapted for school beach excursions and team-building activities.

Since its inception, the programme has reached over 1 460 learners through pop-up sessions and lessons, providing them with essential water safety skills and survival swimming instruction.

Carol highlights the programme's impact, stating, "The concept of survival swimming is not a swimming lesson, but rather survival training. Statistics show that most children drown within five metres of getting to safety. So we teach them essential techniques to reach safety."

The initiative continues to grow, with plans to include more schools and community groups, reinforcing its mission to prevent drownings and save lives across the region.

In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the community, Carol and Carey have been awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award. This prestigious award is presented to Rotarians or community members who have made significant contributions and underscores the profound impact of the Sunshine Coast Survival Swimming Programme.

- Herman Eloff