Meet Nindi, building lifesaving skills within SWIRL’s diverse community

When Nindi Aulia enrolled her daughter in GOswim lessons at Smithton Wellbeing Indoor Recreation and Leisure Centre (SWIRL), she never imagined it would lead to pursuing her own lifelong goal: learning to swim.

Through a partnership between SWIRL and Surf Life Saving Tasmania, a new Water Safety Program for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Women, Youth and Young Adults is helping locals from culturally diverse backgrounds develop confidence in and around water, equipping them with crucial swimming and water safety skills.

Pictured in header: Nindi Aulia, patron at Smithton Wellbeing Indoor Recreation and Leisure Centre (SWIRL)

Nindi’s journey to the water

“My name is Nindi, and I am originally from Medan, Indonesia. I have been living in Smithton for more than three years.

“When I was a child, I nearly drowned in the Buluh River while playing with my friends. From that day onwards, learning how to swim became a personal goal of mine. Unfortunately, back home, we didn’t have the proper opportunities to learn how to swim safely.

“Throughout my university years, I continued trying to learn whenever I could. It wasn’t until moving to Smithton that my goal became a reality when I joined the Water Safety Program for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Women, Youth and Young Adults.

“Living in a rural community can sometimes make it difficult to meet new people and find activities to enjoy during the week. This program gives me the chance to do both while my daughter enjoys her GOswim lessons.

“My first class was a fantastic experience: I learned how to float and some basic skills that can help me survive in the water. I also encouraged two of my friends who are from Malayasia to join the program which added to the fun.

“I’m excited to continue learning, meeting more people and building new friendships here. Most importantly, I hope to achieve my lifelong dream by swimming confidently and safely.”

Supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities to thrive

Herath Pitawala, Venue Manager at SWIRL said:

“This is a much-needed program for the local area, particularly as we continue to see more people moving into the region. With Smithton surrounded by the sea and rivers, water safety education and awareness are essential for the community.”

Zalia Gorringe, Swim School Coordinator at SWIRL added that being able to deliver this program in partnership with Surf Life Saving Tasmania makes a significant positive impact on local communities.

“Thanks to this program, we’re able to provide valuable opportunities for education on water safety skills, helping prevent incidents in and around the water.”

The Water Safety Program for CALD Women, Youth and Young Adults program runs from the 30th of September until the 16th of December, each Wednesday at 1:00pm-2:00pm.

Participants take part in a range of activities including pool familiarisation, survival swimming, learn-to-swim instruction and safe water and surf education, all delivered in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Belgravia Leisure are committed to inclusion by putting the organisation’s Social Inclusion Policy into action, helping people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds develop the confidence and skills needed to safely enjoy aquatic environments throughout their lives.

Through industry-leading programs such as GOswim and strong community partnerships, SWIRL and Belgravia Leisure are reducing barriers to participation, improving water safety outcomes and creating inclusive environments where everyone can connect with water.

To learn more about the initiative, visit here and to learn about SWIRL, visit the website.

Key facts: 

• SWIRL has partnered with Royal Life Saving Tasmania to deliver a Water Safety Program for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women, youth and young adults
• The program helps participants build swimming skills, water confidence and essential water safety knowledge
• Sessions include pool familiarisation, survival swimming, learn-to-swim instruction and safe water and surf education
• The program supports participants to develop confidence, social connections and lifelong aquatic skills
• Smithton’s coastal and river environments make water safety education an important community priority
• The initiative creates accessible pathways for culturally diverse community members to engage safely in aquatic environments
• The program reflects Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to creating inclusive aquatic experiences that help communities stay safe, active and connected.

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