Published 18 August 2026
Royal Life Saving Society - Australia is opening applications for the WE SWIM Multicultural Community Water Safety Program to partner with councils, water safety groups, aquatic centres and swim schools, multicultural community organisations, settlement services, swimming and lifesaving clubs, schools and universities.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia has launched the WE SWIM Multicultural Community Water Safety Program. The new national initiative, backed by $5 million in Australian Government funding, aims to reduce drowning risk, remove barriers to water safety education, and build belonging for refugees, recently arrived migrants and multicultural communities.
People born overseas account for one in three drowning deaths. Half of Australian children cannot swim 50 metres or float for 2 minutes by the end of primary school, a problem that is known to be greater in multicultural communities.
For refugees and recently arrived migrants, the risk of drowning is compounded by unfamiliarity with the hazards on Australian beaches and in rivers, language and cultural barriers, and the cost of lessons.
Local swimming pools and beaches can feel daunting and overwhelming, meaning many people from multicultural communities miss-out on the benefits of being able to swim.
If left unaddressed, this elevated drowning risk can often pass down through generations.
WE SWIM aims to save lives, remove barriers, and build belonging.
Royal Life Saving Australia will provide funding for community activities that build bridges between multicultural communities and local aquatic venues, make venues welcoming, spread water safety messages through trusted voices, and remove barriers to swimming and water safety lessons.
Dr Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, said:
"Being able to swim at the local pool, river or beach on a hot day, on holidays, or on a day trip is a quintessential part of being Australian. Yet for too many refugees and migrants, accessing a local pool to build those skills can be daunting, and the consequences can be tragic.
“WE SWIM is how Royal Life Saving Australia is closing that gap, working with councils, aquatic centres and community organisations to reduce downing risk and build a sense of belonging around water, for refugees, recently arrived migrants and multicultural communities.
“We thank the Australian Government for backing this program with a $5 million investment."
The Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Sport, said:
“Each life lost to drowning is an avoidable tragedy. Swimming and water safety education are critical skills for Australians of all backgrounds and all stages of life.
“The Albanese Government is delivering on our election commitment to invest $5 million to fund WE SWIM, which will break down barriers for multicultural communities, build belonging and save lives.
“In Australia, we love to be on, in and around the water. That’s why we are proud to support Royal Life Saving Australia, community organisations and local swim centres to deliver WE SWIM.
“This investment means everyone has access to water safety education so our beautiful beaches, pools and waterways can be enjoyed safely and responsibly.”
The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Immigration, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, said:
“For most Australians, swimming and spending time around water is part of who we are. But for many migrants and their children, it can be overwhelming and unsafe when they haven’t had the chance to learn water safety.
“This program helps change that. WE SWIM gives multicultural communities the skills to stay safe, the confidence to enjoy our beaches and pools, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of Australia’s water culture."
WE SWIM Partnership opportunities
Royal Life Saving Australia is inviting councils, water safety groups, aquatic centres and swim schools, multicultural community organisations, settlement services, swimming and lifesaving clubs, schools and universities, to apply for:
- WE SWIM Place-Based Partnerships: grants of up to $100,000, open to multi-partner local coalitions, intending to shift water safety outcomes across a region.
- WE SWIM Community Programs: grant of up to $50,000, open to community partnerships to address a community barrier, group, or swimming and water safety pathway in a local area.
- WE SWIM Pathfinder - Ambassadors: grants of up to $10,000 for organisations and up to $5,000 for individuals, open to trusted multicultural community voices to raise water safety awareness.
- WE SWIM Pathfinder – Emerging Leaders: grants of up to $10,000, open to event organisers to provide leadership activities for multicultural leaders under 30 years, at conferences and events.
A smaller number of targeted WE SWIM Pathfinder pilots, including some targeting holiday intensive programs, and a refugee settlement integration pilot will also test new approaches.
Interested organisations can access grant guidelines at contact the WE SWIM team directly at www.royallifesaving.com.au/WESWIM or weswim@rlssa.org.au.
About Royal Life Saving Society – Australia
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia is the national peak body for water safety and drowning prevention, with a focus on bringing people together to eliminate drowning and empower communities to be safe around water.
Media enquiries:
Dr Justin Scarr | Chief Executive | Royal Life Saving Society – Australia | 0408 434 011 | jscarr@rlssa.org.au
