40% of South Australian drownings are multicultural. Wulanda is pushing for change

In a shocking statistic, 40% of drowning fatalities in South Australia have involved people from a multicultural background, with two-thirds of these involving individuals from a non-English-speaking background. In a bid to tackle this issue head on, Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre have partnered with Royal Life Saving South Australia and launched a regular Multicultural Women’s-Only Swim and Water Safety Program. 
 

The six-week initiative gives women from diverse cultural backgrounds the confidence to enjoy water safely while building essential skills that save lives. 
 

Delivered by Royal Life Saving South Australia with support from Skylight Mental Health, the program combines practical swimming lessons with first aid and CPR training – while bringing the community together. 
 

A safe community space 
 

For many participants, swimming lessons have never been an option. Cultural, social and financial barriers often meant limited access to lessons. Wulanda’s warm water pool has changed that, offering a private, inclusive space where women can learn comfortably and safely.  
 

The sessions focus on water confidence and accident prevention, covering floating, basic strokes and safe entry and exit techniques. By the end of the program, participants complete community first aid and CPR training, adding another layer of safety knowledge that benefits their families and the wider community. 
 

Venue Manager Heidi Gajic says Wulanda was designed for programs like this: 
 

“It has been really special to see these families come into Wulanda each Sunday, enjoying the welcoming spaces, feeling comfortable and welcome here.  Watching women build confidence in the water, while their kids are nearby and part of the experience, has created a genuine sense of connection and community.” 
 

Families always welcome 
 

While mums are in the pool, their children aren’t left out. Supervised activities in KidsZone and on the courts keep kids active and entertained, turning Sundays into a family-friendly experience. This thoughtful approach means mothers can focus on learning without worrying about childcare, and families often stay after lessons to enjoy Wulanda’s aquatic areas together. 
 

Lauren Sibley, Community Programs Manager at Royal Life Saving SA, said: 
 

“We are excited to support this transformative program and see participants take on the challenge of learning to swim and water safety. It was inspiring to be in Mount Gambier to personally deliver the first session of this transformative program and see participants take on the challenge of learning to swim safely - collaborating with the team at Wulanda has been a privilege.” 
 

Building skills for life 
 

Learning to swim opens doors to family recreation, reduces drowning risk and builds confidence in everyday situations involving water. It also creates social connections in a supportive environment where women can share experiences and celebrate progress. 
 

By partnering with organisations like Royal Life Saving SA - which has worked for over 115 years to reduce drowning, as well as Skylight Mental Health - which delivers NDIS and mental health services across South Australia, Wulanda is addressing real needs and delivering programs that make a measurable difference to community wellbeing and inclusion.