YMCA Victoria Point took part in the annual Swimathon on Sunday to raise funds to help people with disability learn to swim.
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The YMCA Swimathon is a national fundraiser that helps fund swimming lessons, purchase equipment and build resources.
The Swimathon aimed to raise $390,000 across more than 60 YMCA centres in the country.
YMCA chief executive officer Alan Bray said at the launch of the event that research had found cost to be the biggest barrier to people with disability taking part in sport and recreation activities like swimming.
He said swimming and learning to be safe around water were important life skills that people with disability often missed out on due to a lack of access to specialist lessons, teachers, equipment and accessible pools.
“As a result, it places them at increased risk of drowning,” he said.
“This is where the YMCA Swimathon comes in – to raise the necessary funds to open up the water to everyone.
“For example, just $20 pays for one swimming lesson, $60 buys a neck flotation device, $250 pays for specialised resources, $500 buys a float suit and $2000 buys a water wheelchair.”
