Community-focused approach to drowning prevention in diverse communities
A thought leadership piece by Emma Lowe, National Access & Inclusion Coordinator at Belgravia Leisure (Belgravia Foundation’s innovation partner).
Introduction
As the National Summer Drowning Toll continues to rise—with 104 lives tragically lost this summer in Australia it remains clear that drowning prevention is a critical public health priority.
The increasing number of drowning deaths highlights the urgent need for long-term, inclusive strategies to address this complex issue, especially among underrepresented communities such as migrants, refugees, and culturally diverse groups. As detailed in Royal Life Saving’s 2024 National Drowning Report, 25% of all drowning victims were born overseas, with a ten-year average closer to 34%.
Across the Tasman, Water Safety NZ’s 2024 National Drowning Preventative Report reflects similar challenges, noting that migrants, refugees, and culturally diverse communities in New Zealand face the highest drowning rate at 6.46 per 100,000, followed by Māori at 1.76.
These groups often face significant barriers to water safety, including limited access to swim education and unfamiliarity with aquatic environments. Many of these barriers are complex and systemic.
Belgravia Leisure, with the support and advocacy of Belgravia Foundation, is committed to breaking down these barriers through a multi-faceted approach—one that integrates policy, programs, process and, most importantly, people.
At the heart of this commitment is Belgravia Leisure’s Social Inclusion Policy, which aligns with Belgravia Foundation’s broader mission to ensure that all people—regardless of background, culture, identity, ability, or experience—can access vital community facilities, services, and employment opportunities.
Community Network Forums: Listening to Learn
Belgravia Leisure recognises that the best way to support diverse communities is through genuine consultation, collaboration and co-design. Community voices are essential to understanding how water safety, aquatic experiences, and learn-to-swim programs can be more inclusive and effective.
With encouragement and support from Belgravia Foundation, Community Network Forums (CNFs) are hosted at leisure venues across Australia and New Zealand every March and September. These forums are an opportunity to listen and learn—directly from the community, about the community, from the community’s perspective.
In 2024, Belgravia Leisure engaged over 1,000 community stakeholders through CNFs, sparking innovation and the development of programs that reflect community feedback and needs. These initiatives support everything from seniors’ fitness to inclusive aquatic programs for people with disability—and importantly, they create safe, welcoming spaces for all.
By working in partnership with local communities, councils, peak bodies, and health organisations, Belgravia Leisure and Belgravia Foundation together help tailor solutions that meet the needs of each unique population.
Bespoke Programs: Meeting Communities Where They Are
In line with national calls for large-scale, culturally responsive water safety initiatives, Belgravia Leisure has established numerous tailored programs across its network—many of which have been guided and supported by Belgravia Foundation.
These include:
The All In! Program, which builds swim instructors’ confidence and capability to support diverse participants.
Refugee Migrant Swim Program at Gungahlin Leisure Centre in ACT—transforming access to water safety education.
Afghan Refugee Women’s Swim Programs in Liverpool—delivering free, women-only lessons that build both skills and confidence.
Somali Men’s Social Swim Program at Mill Park Leisure Centre—promoting health and connection for Somali men in Whittlesea.
Women’s Only Swim Program at Trust House Recreation Centre in NZ—evolving into a broader family initiative under the Swim Tangaroa banner.
Water Confidence & Safety Intensive Program at Mudgeeraba Aquatic Centre—supporting migrant and refugee children.
Women’s Only Slide Night at WaterMarc—designed in response to cultural and practical barriers to participation.
Each of these programs demonstrates the impact of listening, co-designing, and building trust within communities. Belgravia Foundation continues to champion these efforts, helping to ensure sustainability and scale.
People First: A Diverse and Capable Workforce
A key driver of success is the people who bring these programs to life. Belgravia Leisure’s team members are supported with training, tools, and opportunities to grow their cultural competency—ensuring they can provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Courses such as SBS’s Cultural Diversity Training are supported by Belgravia Foundation as part of a broader commitment to workforce development.
Belgravia Foundation also advocates for workforce diversification, recognising the power of representation. When community members see themselves reflected in instructors, team members, and leadership, it builds connection and trust.
Stories like that of team member Samer Kamal, and the deep connections built at Lawnton Aquatic Centre with the refugee community, highlight how aligned values can create a culture of genuine inclusion.
Looking Forward: A Shared Commitment
Belgravia Foundation remains committed to supporting Belgravia Leisure and community partners in reducing barriers to water safety and swim education. No one should be excluded from learning how to swim or staying safe around water.
By continuing to work alongside local communities, councils, industry bodies, and other organisations, Belgravia Foundation aims to help reduce drowning risk and foster a more inclusive, healthy, and connected future for all.