It goes without saying, participation in regular leisure and aquatic activities provides numerous health and social benefits. Through leisure participation, people seek opportunities to engage in health and wellbeing activities whilst addressing matters of social cohesion by finding a sense of self through various leisure activities.

People with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in leisure participation in Australia, more so than any other group. There is limited published research regarding people with disabilities and water safety, however, Belgravia Foundation and Belgravia Leisure are aware that disability has been listed as a barrier to participation in swimming lessons. Research has unfortunately highlighted that discrimination through physical and attitudinal barriers, people with disabilities are often left out of water activities. In addition to this, emerging research over half of all Autism Spectrum Disorder related drownings occurred due to falls into the water- this can be avoided with water safety swimming lessons.

Kilsyth staff believe everyone should have access to swimming lessons or aquatic programs that benefit physical and emotional wellbeing. This culture has led Kilsyth to have one of the strongest disability swimming programs across all Belgravia Leisure sites.

In March 2021, the innovative team at Kilsyth Centenary Pool, along with the support from Belgravia Foundation, hosted a free All Abilities Water Safety Day. The free event encapsulated all things water safety; teaching participants to keep themselves and others safe in a range of aquatic environments including, beaches, rivers, lakes, pools and the home. The practical components of the day were followed by free time in the pool on the much-loved inflatable, in addition to a BBQ lunch supported by Topcat Treasure.  The event concluded with all participants receiving giveaways with resources about water safety as well as gifts from Sensory Overload.

Belgravia Foundation would like to congratulate all those involved in applying inclusive practices to ensure the community can participate in healthy activities in a welcoming, supported and safe environment.