City of Stirling Introduces $50,000 Grant to Support School Swimming Lessons
In a significant move to enhance community water safety, the City of Stirling, Western Australia's largest local government, has launched a new $50,000 "Schools to Pools" grant. This initiative is designed to assist local schools with the costs associated with swimming and water safety programs, making lessons more accessible for students in need.
Addressing Rising Costs and Drowning Incidents
The grant comes at a critical time, as swimming and beach safety incidents have been increasing in the area. Over the past 12 months, the city's beach inspectors and lifeguards performed 992 rescues, 32,188 preventative actions, and 422 first-aid treatments. Notably, a record 226 rescues occurred in January 2026 alone, with 180 happening in a single day. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for improved water safety education.
Additionally, a report revealed that 56 per cent of all WA drowning deaths involved individuals from the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. This statistic underscores the financial barriers many families face in accessing swimming lessons.
How the Grant Works
The "Schools to Pools" grant will specifically help reduce pool entry and transport costs for schools utilizing the city's aquatic facilities. While the City of Stirling provides pool space free of charge, schools have traditionally borne the expenses for transportation and entry fees, which are often passed on to families. The new fund aims to alleviate this burden, enabling eligible schools to participate without financial strain.
The initiative was developed after a motion led by Councillor Elizabeth Re was passed in November 2025, calling for a report on learn-to-swim programs. This report, which included input from Royal Life Saving WA, the Leisure Institute of Western Australia, and the Department of Education, identified a clear need for financial assistance following the discontinuation of State Government funding for vacation swimming programs in 2025.
Council Debate and Community Impact
At last week's council meeting, the grant was approved with a vote of 9-5. Councillors in opposition expressed concerns about "cost shifting and mission creep" within local government. However, supporters emphasized the program's potential to save lives by removing financial obstacles.
Councillor Elizabeth Re, who championed the motion, stated, "The reason I put this up is because of the increase in the number of children drowning. If we look at the transport cost today with the cost of fuel, that could be impeding a family trying to get to swimming."
Councillor Andrea Creado added that transportation costs have been a major barrier, particularly for schools in lower socioeconomic areas like the Balga ward. "For many schools, actually getting to the pool was an issue because the parents could not afford the increased cost of transportation in the past few years," she explained. "Some schools also tried getting the children to walk to the pools at the Balga Leisure Centre, but sometimes the weather is inclement."
Funding and Future Steps
The $50,000 grant will be funded through the City of Stirling's 2026-2027 community grants program. A city spokesperson noted, "The discontinuation of State Government funding for vacation swimming in 2025, combined with rising transport and program delivery costs, has further reduced access for families. With its strong aquatic education programs, established coastal safety services, and active engagement with local schools, the city is well placed to further strengthen its contribution to community water safety."
By covering transport and pool entry costs, this program is expected to empower schools to prioritize swimming lessons, ultimately fostering a safer environment for children in Perth. The City of Stirling's proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to addressing both immediate safety concerns and long-term educational needs in the community.
