Swim for Refugees
View contact informationThis volunteer group in Perth offers free swimming classes for refugees and asylum seekers. They provide men's, children's, and women’s classes, plus an activity center with snacks and childcare services.
ABN: 21441191669
Legally incorporated on ,
registered as a charity on the
ACNC Charity Register
since .
About Swim for Refugees and Its Work
Swim for Refugees is a volunteer-run organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, dedicated to teaching swimming to people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. Since its inception in 2016, it has provided free swimming lessons to help newcomers gain essential water safety skills and integrate into the local community. The organisation runs two seasons of lessons each year, offering classes for men, children aged four and above, and private women’s only sessions. Alongside swimming instruction, Swim for Refugees operates an Activity Centre that provides free snacks, tea, and coffee, as well as childcare while parents participate in lessons.
Mission and Vision
The core mission of Swim for Refugees is to empower refugees and asylum seekers by teaching them how to swim, a vital lifesaving skill, thereby enhancing their safety and confidence in aquatic environments. The organisation envisions a welcoming and inclusive community where people from diverse backgrounds can enjoy Western Australia’s aquatic lifestyle without fear, fostering social connection and wellbeing.
Main Objectives
- Provide free, accessible swimming lessons tailored to the needs of refugees and asylum seekers.
- Promote water safety and reduce drowning risk among vulnerable populations.
- Build a supportive community that encourages social inclusion and cultural exchange.
- Offer a safe and welcoming environment for families, including childcare support during lessons.
- Engage volunteers to sustain and grow the program’s impact.
Benefiting Groups
Swim for Refugees primarily benefits individuals and families from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds living in Perth. This includes men, women, children, and teenagers who often arrive with little or no swimming experience due to their circumstances before resettlement.
Types of Services and Activities
- Free swimming lessons divided into men’s, children’s, and women’s only classes.
- An Activity Centre providing refreshments and childcare during swimming sessions.
- Volunteer opportunities for community members to teach, assist, or support activities.
- Community-building events that foster connection among participants and volunteers.
Explore the Work of Swim for Refugees Through Images and Stories
Discover how Swim for Refugees creates safer communities through their work. Visit their social media channels to follow their daily efforts, updates, and inspiring stories making a real impact.
All photos and videos are © Swim for Refugees and have been sourced from their official website.
Swim for Refugees: Building Community Through Life-Saving Swimming Lessons
This heartwarming documentary follows the Swim for Refugees program at UWA, born from a simple conversation about fishing safety.
Student-run and volunteer-driven, the program teaches essential swimming skills to refugee and asylum seeker families while creating a welcoming community space.
Featuring touching stories from swim teachers like Josh, participants like Syed, and dedicated volunteers, this video showcases how university students are making a real difference by providing vital life skills and fostering belonging in Australia’s refugee community through the simple joy of swimming.
© Swim for Refugees. View video in a new window.
Thinking about supporting this cause?
If you're considering a donation, it may help to know that many charitable donations in Australia can be tax deductible. You can also look into organisations with DGR status and explore other advancing social or public welfare charities doing similar work across the country.
Swim for Refugees: Volunteering to Make a Positive Impact
Volunteering is another way to support the work of this charity beyond donations.
passion for swimming in a meaningful way? Volunteering for Swim for Refugees offers the chance to connect with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds, fostering community spirit. Volunteers are crucial to the success of this programme, which relies entirely on their time and energy.
The volunteer commitment spans one season of lessons, lasting 6-10 weeks, allowing you to engage in a variety of roles. Whether you prefer to make snacks and engage with families in the Activity Centre or become a Swim Buddy assisting teachers in the water, there’s a spot for everyone.
Volunteer requirements include attending a training day and acquiring a Working with Children Check (WWCC). This is a vital opportunity to impact lives positively, both for participants and the volunteers themselves. Join a team of fun, committed individuals and help make a real difference today!
Visit Swim for Refugees's official website to learn more about volunteering opportunities and how you can get involved.
This charity intentionally withholds its physical address. The only available contact details are as follows:
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