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A first-hand account of Prachi's Learn To Swim Journey Starting From Scratch I’m a 26-year old from Wagga, and before this program, I had never had a single swimming lesson. For years, swimming felt completely out of reach for me. I think a big part of that was not having enough motivation or support around me to take the first step. It always felt easier to just avoid it altogether. Taking the First Step After hearing so many positive things about the Learn to Swim program, I finally decided to give it a go. Even so, I almost talked myself out of it. I was incredibly nervous before my first lesson and honestly didn’t believe I would ever be able to learn. The water felt overwhelming, and I kept thinking that I was starting too late in life. A Turning Point But something started to change after those first few sessions. With time, patience and lots of encouragement, I began to build confidence. I still can’t quite believe how far I’ve come, I can now actually swim, even if it’s still with some assistance. It really proves that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and that everything in life takes time and practice. Learning Together One of the best parts of the program has been learning alongside my friends and colleagues. Being surrounded by people who were all on a similar journey made such a big difference. It helped me realise that you can learn to swim at any age and at any stage of life, it’s never too late to start. Support That Made a Difference Some of my favourite moments have been the laughter we shared during our lessons and having Amie as our instructor. She is not only an amazing teacher but such a genuine and supportive person. She always believed in me, even on the days I doubted myself, and I’ll always be grateful for the confidence she gave me. A Message to Others To anyone in the community who feels scared or unsure about learning to swim, I would say: give it a chance. Go at your own pace, be patient with yourself, and remember, slow and steady wins the race. Find out how you can take the leap like Prachi and learn to swim here: https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/learntoswimtoday 9 Dec 2025 The People of Project Elevate Prachi's Story Swimming & Lifesaving < Back to News A first-hand account of Prachi's Learn To Swim Journey Starting From Scratch I’m a 26-year old from Wagga, and before this program, I had never had a single swimming lesson. For years, swimming felt completely out of reach for me. I think a big part of that was not having enough motivation or support around me to take the first step. It always felt easier to just avoid it altogether. Taking the First Step After hearing so many positive things about the Learn to Swim program, I finally decided to give it a go. Even so, I almost talked myself out of it. I was incredibly nervous before my first lesson and honestly didn’t believe I would ever be able to learn. The water felt overwhelming, and I kept thinking that I was starting too late in life. A Turning Point But something started to change after those first few sessions. With time, patience and lots of encouragement, I began to build confidence. I still can’t quite believe how far I’ve come, I can now actually swim, even if it’s still with some assistance. It really proves that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and that everything in life takes time and practice. Learning Together One of the best parts of the program has been learning alongside my friends and colleagues. Being surrounded by people who were all on a similar journey made such a big difference. It helped me realise that you can learn to swim at any age and at any stage of life, it’s never too late to start. Support That Made a Difference Some of my favourite moments have been the laughter we shared during our lessons and having Amie as our instructor. She is not only an amazing teacher but such a genuine and supportive person. She always believed in me, even on the days I doubted myself, and I’ll always be grateful for the confidence she gave me. A Message to Others To anyone in the community who feels scared or unsure about learning to swim, I would say: give it a chance. Go at your own pace, be patient with yourself, and remember, slow and steady wins the race. Find out how you can take the leap like Prachi and learn to swim here: https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/learntoswimtoday Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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The Aquas are back – and bigger than ever! Royal Life Saving’s Aquas Awards Gala is the premier celebration of excellence in water safety, aquatic participation, and industry innovation. In 2025, we’re making it even more special— marking our 130th anniversary with new award categories that recognise the incredible contributions across Community, Government, Industry, Lifesaving Sport, and Corporate sectors. Now is the time to nominate the individuals and organisations making waves in drowning prevention, water safety, and aquatic excellence. Whether it’s a dedicated pool lifeguard, swim teacher, lifesaving sport official or industry leader, this is your chance to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond. Why Nominate? 🏆 Recognition – Honour the outstanding efforts of your peers and colleagues. 📣 Promotion – Winners and finalists gain industry-wide exposure. 🌊 Leadership – Elevate your standing in the aquatic community. 💡 Innovation – Celebrate fresh ideas shaping the future of water safety. 🤝 Networking – Connect with industry leaders at The Aquas Gala. How to Nominate (full nomination guide can be found here) Visit: https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/theaquas Select: Your award category Complete: The nomination form Submit: Supporting evidence to strengthen your entry Nominations close Friday 4 April 2025– don’t miss out! This is your chance to celebrate excellence, inspire change, and be part of Royal Life Saving’s legacy. Nominate today and help us recognise the incredible people driving the future of water safety! 11 Feb 2025 Nominations Now Open for The Aquas 2025 Event < Back to News The Aquas are back – and bigger than ever! Royal Life Saving’s Aquas Awards Gala is the premier celebration of excellence in water safety, aquatic participation, and industry innovation. In 2025, we’re making it even more special— marking our 130th anniversary with new award categories that recognise the incredible contributions across Community, Government, Industry, Lifesaving Sport, and Corporate sectors. Now is the time to nominate the individuals and organisations making waves in drowning prevention, water safety, and aquatic excellence. Whether it’s a dedicated pool lifeguard, swim teacher, lifesaving sport official or industry leader, this is your chance to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond. Why Nominate? 🏆 Recognition – Honour the outstanding efforts of your peers and colleagues. 📣 Promotion – Winners and finalists gain industry-wide exposure. 🌊 Leadership – Elevate your standing in the aquatic community. 💡 Innovation – Celebrate fresh ideas shaping the future of water safety. 🤝 Networking – Connect with industry leaders at The Aquas Gala. How to Nominate (full nomination guide can be found here ) Visit: https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/theaquas Select: Your award category Complete: The nomination form Submit: Supporting evidence to strengthen your entry Nominations close Friday 4 April 2025– don’t miss out! This is your chance to celebrate excellence, inspire change, and be part of Royal Life Saving’s legacy. Nominate today and help us recognise the incredible people driving the future of water safety! Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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On Friday 14th April, at The Grand Ballroom, Luna Park, Royal Life Saving hosted The Aquas! The first Awards Gala of its kinds for Royal Life Saving in almost two decades. 200 guests from industry, government and the community joined us to celebrate our night of nights recognising the outstanding contributions, effort and dedication of individuals and organisations in the prevention of drowning and promotion of aquatic participation. We received an overwhelming response from nominees across our 10 award categories with over 50 nominations received, 40 of these progressed to finalists and were invited to attend the evening. We had some very highly contested categories with some categories being awarded more than 1 recipient. We are honoured to announce the Recipients for 2023 The Aquas Awards Gala: Excellence in Swimming – Parramatta City Swim Club Excellence in Lifesaving Sport – Andrew Bowden Excellence in Aquatic Safety Design – City of Sydney Excellence in Pool Plant Operations – Canberra International Sports & Aquatic Centre Excellence in Training and Education – Maitland Aquatics Excellence in Media and Promotions – Julie Power Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – All Abilities Swim Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – Blacktown Key Venues Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – Orange Aquatic Centre & Glenroi Heights Public School Excellence in Aquatic Supervision – Inner West Council Excellence in Aquatic Supervision – Bay Pavilions Arts & Aquatic Centre Excellence in Drowning Prevention – Mark Horton Excellence in Drowning Prevention – Wagga Wagga City Council President's Award – Sydney Water Royal Life Saving President Mr. Jim Whiteside presented 6 Commendation Awards on the night to members of the NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Ambulance and a community recipient for displaying outstanding initiative, expertise, and empathy towards their fellow human beings by applying lifesaving skills in emergency situations. The Aquas 2023 Awards Gala was proudly sponsored by: We would like to take this opportunity to thank our valued sponsors who helped make this event possible. A further thanks to the team from Primary Create, who produced all the branding and AV packages for the event; the Luna Park Venues team who created the perfect setting for our event and provided amazing service; Master of Ceremonies Comedian and author Carolyn Swindell, and finally to all our recipients, finalists and guests for attending the night and making the success it was. We congratulate all our award recipients and finalists. You are a fantastic representation of the core of the Aquatic Industry and our greater community. 19 Apr 2023 The Aquas 2023! Royal Life Saving Awards Gala Event < Back to News On Friday 14th April, at The Grand Ballroom, Luna Park, Royal Life Saving hosted The Aquas! The first Awards Gala of its kinds for Royal Life Saving in almost two decades. 200 guests from industry, government and the community joined us to celebrate our night of nights recognising the outstanding contributions, effort and dedication of individuals and organisations in the prevention of drowning and promotion of aquatic participation. We received an overwhelming response from nominees across our 10 award categories with over 50 nominations received, 40 of these progressed to finalists and were invited to attend the evening. We had some very highly contested categories with some categories being awarded more than 1 recipient. We are honoured to announce the Recipients for 2023 The Aquas Awards Gala: Excellence in Swimming – Parramatta City Swim Club Excellence in Lifesaving Sport – Andrew Bowden Excellence in Aquatic Safety Design – City of Sydney Excellence in Pool Plant Operations – Canberra International Sports & Aquatic Centre Excellence in Training and Education – Maitland Aquatics Excellence in Media and Promotions – Julie Power Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – All Abilities Swim Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – Blacktown Key Venues Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – Orange Aquatic Centre & Glenroi Heights Public School Excellence in Aquatic Supervision – Inner West Council Excellence in Aquatic Supervision – Bay Pavilions Arts & Aquatic Centre Excellence in Drowning Prevention – Mark Horton Excellence in Drowning Prevention – Wagga Wagga City Council President's Award – Sydney Water Royal Life Saving President Mr. Jim Whiteside presented 6 Commendation Awards on the night to members of the NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Ambulance and a community recipient for displaying outstanding initiative, expertise, and empathy towards their fellow human beings by applying lifesaving skills in emergency situations. The Aquas 2023 Awards Gala was proudly sponsored by: We would like to take this opportunity to thank our valued sponsors who helped make this event possible. A further thanks to the team from Primary Create, who produced all the branding and AV packages for the event; the Luna Park Venues team who created the perfect setting for our event and provided amazing service; Master of Ceremonies Comedian and author Carolyn Swindell, and finally to all our recipients, finalists and guests for attending the night and making the success it was. We congratulate all our award recipients and finalists. You are a fantastic representation of the core of the Aquatic Industry and our greater community. Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media