Olympians Elka Whalan, Matt Welsh (OAM) and Andrew Lauterstein join Swim Australia and PJ Masks to launch Swim It Forward on World Drowning Prevention Day

On World Drowning Prevention Day, Swim Australia in partnership with PJ Masks has launched Swim It Forward, an initiative to help get kids from families in need enrolled in swimming lessons by taking out the financial barrier. Research conducted by Swim Australia has shown more than half (55%) of all Australian children are not learning to swim due to the cost to enrol in lessons, and in recent times over 8 million swimming lessons were missed due to COVID-19.

To acknowledge the annual event and officially launch Swim It Forward, Olympian and Swim It Forward Ambassador Elka Whalan (nee Graham) joined Olympians Matt Welsh (OAM) and Andrew Lauterstein at MSAC for a Powered-Up swimming lesson with 3-to-5-year old’s.

Held annually on 25th July, World Drowning Prevention Day is a global advocacy event that highlights the tragic and profound impact that drowning has on families and communities and works towards life-saving solutions to prevent it. According to the World Health Organization, 236,000 people drown globally each year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children and youth aged 1-24 years.

To support the initiative and celebrate new episodes on Disney+, Swim Australia’s partner and popular Hasbro pre-school brand PJ Masks, have kicked off Swim It Forward by donating 100 swimming lessons to low-income families so more kids can power up their swimming. The PJ Masks heroes are encouraging Australians to also swim it forward by considering donating as little as $20 which will provide a swimming lesson for one child. Families who need help are encouraged to apply for the program at swimitforward.org.au

Swim It Forward aims to lower the risk of drowning deaths by placing more children into swimming programs and therefore growing kids’ confidence in the water. After two years of suspended swimming lessons, it’s more pertinent than ever to ensure all kids are able to learn vital water safety skills.

“Learning to swim is a core life skill and vital in preventing the number of drownings each year. Anyone can drown, and that’s why it’s so important to be armed with water safety skills and why the Swim It Forward initiative is so crucial,” said Elka Whalan.

“We all should do our bit to help families in need get their kids enrolled in swimming lessons. If you can only choose one extra-curricular activity, choose swimming.”

Further research conducted by Swim Australia determined 63.9% of people are willing to give up or reduce spending in other areas to afford swimming lessons for their children, including 51% willing to give up a weekly coffee.

Swim Australia CEO Brendon Ward said “We believe learning to swim is a skill every child should have the chance to develop, regardless of income or ability. With just $20 enough to provide one child with a lesson, a week of not buying coffees is all it takes to help get kids back into lessons.”

Aussies have the chance to be a hero and make a splash in a child’s life by donating to Swim It Forward. To donate or apply for the program, please visit swimitforward.org.au