For Jackie Rousseau, when the most vulnerable learn to swim, they fly
If you were to think of an Australian geographic location that is leading the way in water-safety, the land-locked nation’s capital may not be the first to mind. But the Royal Life Saving Australia’s ACT Branch has made over 1300 children from vulnerable backgrounds more water-wise thanks to its groundbreaking Swim 4 Life program.
IMB Bank Community Foundation Community Hero Jackie Rousseau explains further. “The Swim 4 Life Program has a direct impact on reducing drowning in local communities by providing free learn-to-swim and water safety lessons to hundreds of vulnerable children,” Ms Rousseau says. “These children are more commonly suffering socioeconomic disadvantage, are from Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities (including new arrivals) or living in rural and remote areas. The Swim 4 Life Program removes the barriers preventing these children from attending swimming lessons, and thereby reduces their risk of drowning.”
Swim 4 Life began in 2010 and today more than 45 community groups and 60 primary schools nominate the ACT’s most vulnerable children to access the program for free. This is thanks in no small part to Ms Rousseau’s dedication to expanding the program’s reach and scope over the last five years, including securing external funding from the ICF. “Since 2017, the IMB Bank Community Foundation has come to the rescue, providing critical funds to support the free delivery of the program to over 700 of Canberra’s most vulnerable children,” she says. “To put it into perspective: between 2010 and 2016, Royal Life Saving ACT delivered this program to 600 children. With ICF’s help we surpassed that number in only 18 months! It is incredible!”
The program influences the lives of the students who enter the pool for their 10 x 30minute classes in ways beyond water safety. “It is incredibly rewarding to witness the development of water safety knowledge and survival skills in all of the children,” explains Ms Rousseau. “They grow with confidence, self-awareness, and social skills as well. This is truly a remarkable and unique program.”
Find out how to get involved in the Swim 4 Life program
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Helping build and strengthen our local communities since 1999 As a mutual bank, supporting our local communities is important to us. We believe in supporting projects that foster inclusion, encourage volunteering and create sustainable outcomes, enabling the communities around us to thrive. Over the last 20 years, The IMB Bank Community Foundation has invested over $10 million to support over 700 community projects. We’re very proud of the projects we’ve supported and each year we marvel at the wonderful achievements of our funding recipients. These diverse and meaningful grassroots programs are found wherever IMB Bank operates — Sydney, The Hunter, The Illawarra, Southern Highlands and Far South Coast NSW. |
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Previous funding recipients |
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Farmborough Heights Rural Fire Brigade A thermal imaging camera will enable The Farmborough Heights Rural Fire Brigade’s volunteer members to fully interpret a fire scene providing accurate situational awareness both day and night. It will also assist in search and rescue operations at any time and in any light conditions. |
Giralang/Kaleen Men's Shed The Giralang/Kaleen Men's Shed offers all men access to a range of activities including a woodworking workshop, garden, physical activity such as walking, and social interaction. Members will be trained in first aid to support shed members if needed. |
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