Today, our community mourns the heartbreaking loss of a 13-year-old boy who drowned at Werri Lagoon in Gerringong. This devastating incident underscores the urgent need for a national learn to swim campaign, with a special focus on supporting multicultural communities who may face barriers in accessing swimming lessons.

“Our community has been rocked by another tragic local drowning. We thank those lifesavers and members of our local community who attended the scene in what must have been very challenging and heartbreaking circumstances,” said Mayor Cameron McDonald.

He added “These tragedies remind us that there are those in our community who do not have the water safety skills many of us grew up learning. We call upon the Federal and State Governments to urgently implement a targeted multicultural beach education and swim safety program so that all Australians are equipped with the skills to stay safe on our beaches.”

Australia’s beaches, rivers, and pools are a vital part of our way of life, but tragically, they also present significant risks for those unprepared for water safety. With statistics showing that children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are overrepresented in drowning figures, it is time for immediate action.

The Bugle calls on all candidates in the upcoming federal election to prioritise funding and policy changes to address this critical issue. By making learn to swim initiatives affordable, accessible, and culturally inclusive, we can prevent further tragedies and ensure that every child in Australia is equipped with the skills to safely enjoy our waterways.

This campaign could include partnerships with schools, community groups, and local governments, offering free or low-cost swimming lessons, culturally tailored programs, and multilingual water safety resources.

Let’s work together to honour this young life and commit to a safer future for all children.