The Tjindu Foundation, in conjunction with Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSA) and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing will deliver a new water safety and swimming program to 200 First Nations children across the state.
Parnggi Yarluwar Porlar (Water Ocean Kids) is will be delivered to children aged 7-12 from communities across the state via the Goolwa, Christies Breach, West Beach and North Haven surf life saving centres, plus the Noarlunga Aquatic Centre, Fleurieu Aquatic centre, Iswim @ Immanuel College and Largs Bay Swim Centre.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make up a disproportionate number of fatal and non-fatal drownings in childhood. Parnggi Yarluwar Porlar will support children with free access to swimming and surf lifesaving lessons.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the launch of SLSA’s Reconciliation Action Plan, with the support of the Tjindu Foundation: director Kevin Richardson chairs SLSA’s Reconciliation Action Plan working group, which includes general manager Kellie Graves as a member.
“We are excited to see Parnggi Yarluwar Porlar take shape this year to give our young people quality and accredited water safety education,” says Ms Graves.
“Many young people receive water safety training during their school years, but access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids to such programs is historically lower. We look forward to working with SLSA to begin changing that.”
“With many children lacking access to swimming and water safety programs, this project will provide knowledge, increasing the opportunity for movement and play for families, providing a positive social connection and reducing the risk of drowning. Families will also benefit through their exposure to water safety, learning material and aquatic environments,” says SLSSA chief executive Damien Marangon.
For more information about Parnggi Yarluwar Porlar and to register, please contact us.
