$100 Kickstart Towards Teen GOswim Lessons

In response to Royal Life Saving’s recently released data that shows lifesaving skills of high school students are not up to standard, Lakeside Leisure Centre and Belgravia Leisure are urging families to act by enrolling teens with weak swimming skills in a learn to swim program. 

In response to this skill gap, we are offering a select number of students a $100 Kickstart to Swim Sponsorship to help families get their teen started in a GOswim Teen Program.  
According to Royal Life Saving Australia, teachers estimate a staggering 84% of 15-16-year-olds are unable to swim 400 metres and tread water for five minutes, a basic lifesaving requirement and the benchmark for 17-year-olds. 

The GOswim Teen Program offers a tailored learn to swim program for students aged between 13 and 17 years of age. The course, which meets national benchmarks for RLSSA, includes water safety and survival skills to reduce incidents in open water environments when teens are with their peers and possibly without supervision. 

There are currently almost 800 teenagers across Australia who are currently learning how to swim in a GOswim Teen Program. 

Dr Justin Scarr, RLSS Australia CEO is shocked at the worrying data reflecting the lack of teenager’s swimming skills. 

“Our report on declining children’s swimming skills is a wakeup call. I was shocked to learn that 39% of year 10 students can’t reach the primary school benchmark – swim 50m and float for 2 minutes. Poor swimming skills put them at significant risk of missing out on the many benefits that being able to swim affords, making them highly vulnerable to drowning as young adults.  

“It’s alarming to see so many children missing out. We risk creating a generation with extremely poor swimming skills. Coordinated investments are needed to boost the swimming and lifesaving skills of children and young people, especially those aged 10-14 years who can’t yet swim 50 metres, before it’s too late,” concluded Dr Scarr.  

Cheryl McLennan, Belgravia Leisure Aquatics Specialist, highlights the importance of engaging teens in innovative ways. 

“Traditional swimming programs have focused on younger children, but with rising drowning rates among teens and young adults, we need to rethink our approach. The GOswim Teen program not only builds competency in the water but also opens doors to potential aquatic careers as lifeguards or swim teachers. 
“With drowning statistics on the rise, now is the time to prioritise swimming education for teens. The GOswim Teen Program is more than just a lesson—it’s a lifesaving opportunity”, concluded Ms McLennan. 

To make the most of this limited time offer and empower your teen with the skills they need to stay safe in the water, register your interest at $100 Kickstart towards Teen GOswim Lessons.

T&Cs apply:

• Offer is available from Monday 24th March- Sunday 20th April or earlier if allocation is exhausted
• This membership is only available at selected and participating Belgravia Leisure managed facilities.
• This offer is for positions in established Teen Classes only
• Direct debit membership only. All new members must enter into a new direct debit agreement.
• Joining fees and direct debit set up fees do not apply
• Your membership access is granted from the day of purchase
• We collect bank details upfront as part of the direct debit; however, payments will be suspended for the first four weeks. First payment will be deducted 30 days after joining
• Transfer of membership is not available
• 30 days' notice must be given to cancel after the first debit has been processed
• Standard suspension conditions apply. See venue for details
• Local conditions of entry apply. See venue for more details