By Emma Lowe, National Access & Inclusion Coordinator at Belgravia Leisure.

As the National Summer Drowning Toll continues to rise with 104 lives lost this summer in Australia, it’s clear that drowning prevention remains a critical public health priority.

The tragic increase in drowning deaths underscores the importance of long-term strategies to combat this pressing issue, particularly among underrepresented communities such as migrants, refugees and culturally diverse groups. As outlined in Royal Life Saving’s 2024 National Drowning Report, 25% of all drownings were born overseas, with long term data showing this figure is generally even higher (34% over ten years).

Over the pond to our friends in New Zealand, Water Safety NZ states in their 2024 National Drowning Preventative Report that although they are seeing some overall improvements; migrants, refugees and culturally diverse groups have the highest drowning rate at 6.46 per 100,000, followed by Māori at 1.76.

These communities often face unique challenges regarding water safety, with many having limited access to swimming education or unfamiliarity with aquatic environments due to a number of complex barriers.

At Belgravia Leisure, we are committed to addressing these challenges through a multi-faceted approach that integrates policy, process, programs and people.

Our approach to creating welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone stems from our Social Inclusion Policy, which is a commitment that Belgravia Leisure lives and breathes. We aspire to support all in the community, no matter someone’s background, culture, identity, ability or experience. We strive to ensure that no-one misses out on experiencing the critical facilities, services, programs and employment opportunities we provide to the communities we serve.

Read on to discover how we turn this commitment into meaningful action.

Community Network Forums: The key to truly understanding our communities

We understand that the success of creating pathways to participation is through consultation, collaboration and co-design with the communities and underrepresented groups who reside in the areas we operate. These conversations are vital if we want to further understand each community’s needs, preferences and priorities when it comes to aquatic experiences, water safety and learn to swim programs.

Through many years of research, concept trials and industry best-practise, we know that the one-size-fits-all programs do not meet the unique needs of our diverse communities. This principle is important in our efforts to ensure more people are safe around water.

To foster dialogue, Belgravia Leisure operated leisure venues across Australia and New Zealand host Community Network Forums (CNFs) every March and September to look, listen and learn from the community, about the community, from the perspective of the community.

CNFs serve as a platform for open dialogue with local stakeholders, ensuring that we are constantly innovating new or adapting existing programs based on the needs, preferences and priorities of the people we serve in that particular community.

In 2024, Belgravia Leisure engaged with over 1,000 community stakeholders, leading to the development of innovative and inclusive programs all designed with the feedback and needs of the community in mind. Whether it’s increasing access to exercise for seniors, creating uniquely tailored programs for people with disabilities or providing safe and welcoming spaces for participation, Belgravia Leisure has worked alongside stakeholders to ensure that no one is left behind.

By working as part of a team with these community groups, local councils, industry peak bodies and health organisations, we can create solutions tailored to the specific needs of each community.

Bespoke programs: How they can change lives

In alignment with the national call for large-scale programs aimed at building water safety skills in migrant and refugee communities, Belgravia Leisure has established many tailored initiatives. Some key examples include:

• The All In! Program across various venues, which aims to build swim instructor’s confidence and capacity to welcome, support and include people of diversity into Belgravia’s aquatic experiences. 
• A Refugee Migrant Swim Program at Gungahlin Leisure Centre in ACT, which has transformed water safety and swimming education for Canberra’s refugee and migrant communities. 
• The Afghan Refugee Women Swim Program at two venues across Liverpool, which powers Afghan refugee women with free swimming lessons and not only teaches lifesaving skills, but also to experience the joy of being in the water without fear. 
• The Somali Men’s Social Swimming Program at Mill Park Leisure Centre, which is designed specifically for the Somali men in the Whittlesea community. This program not only promotes physical health through swimming but also fosters strong social bonds among participants, enhancing both their mental well-being and community integration. 
• A Women’s Only Swim Lesson Program at Trust House Recreation Centre in NZ was initially co-designed to support local Refugee women, but expanded into a family and children opportunity too with many enquiring to join the Swim Tangaroa Program. 
• A Water Confidence & Safety Intensive Program at Mudgeeraba Aquatic Centre, specifically tailored for migrant and refugee children. 
• A program called Women’s Only Slide Night at WaterMarc, an initiative developed in response to the barriers women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds face regarding water participation. 

The power of people

The success of our approach is built on the commitment and expertise of our team. Through strategic investments in workforce development, cultural awareness and communication such as The Cultural Diversity Course by SBS, we ensure that our team members are equipped with the skills, awareness and knowledge to support people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.  

This capacity-building approach empowers staff to offer a welcoming, supportive, inclusive and safe environment for all community members, ensuring that everyone can benefit from our services based on their unique needs. 

We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce as you can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why our workforce diversification approach focuses on actively recruiting, training and developing employees from diverse backgrounds. By ensuring that our staff reflects the communities we serve, we can create a more relatable and welcoming atmosphere that better serves underrepresented groups.  

Samer Kamal has detailed his experience as a diverse Belgravia Leisure team member, and Lawnton Aquatic Centre has shared their remarkable connection to the refugee community and the power of people in bringing the company’s values to life.

Ongoing commitment 

As we look ahead, Belgravia Leisure is committed to continuing to address the barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from accessing essential water safety and swimming programs. We believe that no one should be left behind when it comes to learning how to swim and staying safe around water.  

By collaborating with local communities, stakeholders and industry partners, we will continue to make significant strides in reducing drowning risks among migrant and refugee populations and creating a more inclusive, safer and healthier future for all.

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