A community swimathon aimed at improving water safety for vulnerable groups will take place in Perth's east early next month. The BlueFit Foundation is hosting Waves of Change at Belmont Oasis on Sunday May 3, bringing together families, schools, workplaces and community groups for an afternoon of fundraising and family-friendly activities.
The event will include a swimathon as well as expanding participation options with a range of inclusive activities. Funds raised will support the foundation's programs, which focus on teaching swimming and water safety skills to people who may otherwise face financial or social barriers to lessons.
The foundation says drowning remains a significant risk among vulnerable groups, particularly those without access to formal swimming education, and hopes the event will help address that gap. The day begins at 1pm with an Hour of Power aquarobics session, designed to cater to a wide range of fitness levels.
Participants can join in by making a donation as an alternative for those who don't want to swim the laps. From 2pm to 5pm, teams will take part in a three-hour lap challenge, aiming to swim as many laps as possible while raising funds. Casual swimmers will also be able to contribute, with entry fees from a dedicated community lap lane going directly to the foundation.
The afternoon will have poolside entertainment, including music, a photo station, a sausage sizzle, and activities for children, creating a festival-like atmosphere for attendees. BlueFit Foundation spokesperson Karyn Clancy said the initiative highlighted the importance of community-driven action.
“Waves of Change is a celebration of community coming together for a purpose,” she said. “Learning to swim is not a luxury; it is a life-saving skill. Through this swimathon, we aim to ensure that those most at risk are given the opportunity to gain confidence in the water and develop skills that may one day save their lives.”
