UNSW Swimming Safe Grant

The UNSW Swimming Safe Grant program provides FREE Adult Learn to Swim classes for 6 months at UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre.

We want to increase the swimming skills and confidence of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) students who are passionate about making a difference in their local community through water safety.

During the grant, you will volunteer with UNSW and one of three organisations who will assist you on your water safety journey.

The program operates on an annual basis, with grants offered throughout the year.

There are 12 grants available in 2024.

The HWA program is accredited by UNSW Advantage, and volunteer contribution is recorded on your AHEGS statements upon graduation. You can find examples of volunteering hours by clicking on this link.

• Open to all current UNSW students, both domestic and international.
• Students must commit to 6 months of Learn to Swim classes and meet program requirements.
• Priority is given to those who have completed the UNSW Learn to Swim Program or UNSW Beach Ocean Safe Program. If you are currently unable to swim or lack confidence in the ocean, we highly encourage you to check out these programs before applying to the Swimming Safe Grant!
• Ideal candidates should have basic swimming skills, have a desire to improve, demonstrate a passion for water safety, and aim to become a lifesaver, instructor, lifeguard, or ambassador.

1. Online application form
2. In-person interview at UNSW
3. Outcome

Selected students will pay a deposit of $100 which will be fully refunded upon successful completion of the program.

The program will begin on Week 1 of Term 2 2024.

Apply now

The Swimming Safe Grant is run in collaboration with UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club and Surf Life Saving NSW. During the grant, you will engage closely with one of the partners and complete a minimum of 10 volunteering hours with them. 

1. UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre (FAC) 
   Are you interested in becoming a swimming instructor or lifeguard? As part of this stream, you will increase your swimming skills so you have the confidence to work within the pool environment. This stream offers a chance to learn about different water safety jobs and upon completion of the program you may receive employment opportunities with UNSW FAC. 
    
2. Coogee Surf Life Saving Club (CSLSC)
   Are you interested in becoming a surf life saver? As part of this stream, you will increase your swimming skills and confidence so you can undertake the Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) or the Bronze Medallion, gaining a certification in surf life saving. During the program, you will attend surf life saving patrols at Coogee beach, receive mentorship from experienced members and get involved with the club. 
    
3. Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW)
   Are you passionate about water safety and want to share your knowledge with others? As part of this stream, you will increase your swimming skills and confidence to bring vital coastal safety awareness back to your community, both in Australia and abroad. This stream offers training, education, employment and skill development directly with NSW’s state body for surf life saving.

This program is generously funded by Medibank, UNSW’s preferred OSHC Provider. 

UNSW Health Promotions Unit would also like to acknowledge our partners, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club and Surf Life Saving NSW for their ongoing collaboration in keeping UNSW students safe in the water.

I'm Duc Nguyen from Viet Nam, a student in the Master of PR & Advertising. My nickname is Kai, which means "sea" in Hawaiian or "ocean" in Japanese. Whenever I live in a city close to the sea, I try to go to beaches weekly. I am glad that I can visit numerous beautiful beaches surrounding Sydney. Unfortunately, I do not know how to swim properly.

During Term 1 2024, I joined the UNSW Beach Ocean Safe Program (BOS), which was definitely a highlight of my first term in Australia. It helped me realize how much I love being in the water and a volunteer community. I have been inspired to improve my swimming skills to get more involved in water activities. I am eager to start to realize that goal with the support of the Swimming Safe Grant in the next 06 months. I believe that at the end of the grant, with professional guidance and weekly training, I can enhance my stamina and skills to swim at least 100 meters in one go.

My name is Ravindra Kokate, and I am from India. In May 2023, I embarked on my PhD journey at the School of Chemical Engineering. Despite my love for water activities and beaches, I didn't know how to swim when I arrived in Australia, which often made me feel less confident in the water. However, thanks to the diligent efforts of the water safety staff and the lifesaving community, I felt secure at the beaches. Their vital role in safeguarding lives is something I've observed both in my home country and here in Australia. Australia, in particular, offers numerous water safety programs and campaigns aimed at educating locals and international visitors about water safety, some of which I have participated in.

I have always been eager to learn how to swim but lacked the confidence and a clear starting point. At UNSW, I discovered the Learn to Swim Program (LTS) specifically designed for international students and beginners. This program provided an excellent learning experience with top-notch facilities. After completing the program, I was thrilled to be offered a chance to become a mentor in the next term.

My LTS journey has been incredibly rewarding, boosting my confidence in the water and continuously improving my skills. The Swimming Safe Grant has furthered this development, providing additional opportunities to refine my swimming abilities. I am excited about this program because it not only enhances my swimming skills but also aligns with my goal to contribute to the community, potentially as an instructor or a member of the lifesaving team. The program is well-structured and perfectly suited to my aspirations, and I am enthusiastic about the new direction it will provide for my swimming journey.

My name is Nimish Ukey, and I am an international student pursuing a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at the School of CSE, UNSW. Originally from Nagpur City, India, I had very little understanding of water safety before coming to Australia. Back home, I would often visit water canals and dams with friends for fun, despite not knowing how to swim. I was unaware of the dangers involved.

My perspective on water safety changed drastically after moving to Australia and participating in the Learn to Swim (LTS) and Beach Orientation Sessions (BOS) programs. These programs taught me crucial safety measures such as swimming between the flags, always swimming with a buddy, and identifying rip currents. Reflecting on my past experiences, I realised how risky my actions were back in India, especially since I didn’t know how to swim.

Over the past two years, I have diligently worked on improving my swimming skills and water safety knowledge. My aspiration is to become a surf lifesaver, not only for the physical benefits but also to assist others in need. I am thrilled to embark on this journey to become a surf lifesaver.

Joining the Swimming Safe Grant is an incredible opportunity for me. It will allow me to enhance my swimming stamina and skills under the guidance of expert trainers and alongside like-minded individuals. I am excited to take this next step and add another significant chapter to my life by successfully completing the journey to becoming a surf lifesaver.

My name is Elnaz Talebi, and I am originally from Iran. I recently graduated with a master's degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of New South Wales. Growing up in a non-coastal city, my first interaction with water was through the rivers and water bodies within the city. However, I have always had a deep connection with the ocean and a desire to swim, which has significantly influenced my personal interests.

Upon starting my journey in Australia, I realized the rich beach culture within the community, which made me keen to pursue my passion for swimming. To achieve this, I participated in the Learn to Swim (LTS) program in 2022. This formal training not only taught me how to swim proficiently but also instilled essential water safety principles. Additionally, through the LTS program, I had the opportunity to be introduced to the Beach Ocean Safe (BOS) program, where I learned the importance of understanding currents, recognizing safe swimming areas, and knowing how to respond to potential dangers.

This experience highlighted the need for such knowledge to prevent water-related incidents and promote water confidence.

I am excited to join the Swimming Safe grant program because it aligns perfectly with my passion for becoming a surf lifesaver and my commitment to enhancing water safety awareness. This grant presents an invaluable opportunity to further my skills and knowledge, which I can then apply in community settings. Through this program, I aim to become a certified swim instructor and a lifesaver, advocating for comprehensive water safety education.

My goal through the Swimming Safe grant is to enhance my skills and to develop initiatives that bridge the gap in water safety education, particularly in vulnerable communities. Through practical training, I hope to make a tangible impact in reducing water-related accidents and fostering a culture of safety and respect for aquatic environments.

I’m Jan Kreibich, a PhD candidate at UNSW, specialising in large-scale river restoration. Originally from the Black Forest region of Germany – a picturesque, mountainous area far from any coast – I arrived in Australia shortly after the pandemic. I was instantly drawn to the vibrant beach culture of Sydney's Eastern suburbs. To integrate into this ocean-centric lifestyle, I joined UNSW's International Learn to Swim Program, which boosted my confidence in the water and helped me transition from breaststroke, commonly taught in Germany, to freestyle swimming.

Now, as a recipient of the Swimming Safe Grant, I’m excited to further enhance my swimming abilities and actively engage with the local Surf Life Saving Clubs. For the past two years, I’ve also been volunteering with the NSW State Emergency Service, where I'm currently training to become a Flood Rescue Operator – a role that requires strong swimming skills.

I’m grateful for the grant’s support, which enables me to make positive impact both professionally and personally. This opportunity not only allows me to improve my aquatic skills but also to deepen my community ties, giving back to the place that has welcomed me with open arms.

I’m Jocelyn Godinho, an ambitious and dedicated student from India, currently pursuing my Master of City Planning at UNSW Sydney. In April 2023, I came across the Learn to Swim (LTS) program for international students and eagerly joined to fulfill my longstanding desire to swim confidently in deep waters. Given Australia’s stunning oceans, I saw the LTS program as the perfect opportunity to learn basic swimming skills and water safety.

When I discovered the Swim Safe Grant program, I knew it was an excellent chance to master my skills in deep waters and handle rough ocean currents. I believe swimming is not only a recreational activity but also a vital life skill that promotes physical health and mental relaxation. It is an excellent way to stay fit and maintain overall well-being.

As someone who considers herself quite adventurous, I aspire to become an adept swimmer capable of safely exploring and enjoying the diverse marine life and natural beauty of Australia’s coastal waters. My journey in learning to swim reflects my commitment to personal growth and embracing new challenges, demonstrating that it’s never too late to acquire new skills and achieve one's goals.

Hello, I’m Fauzan from Indonesia, currently studying Master of Commerce at UNSW. I first started swimming in preschool, where I was given swimming lessons in a local pool. I felt like, swimming is a great activity, one that enables me to move freely in any direction. I continued my lessons until I finish elementary school and, afterwards, I went to swim in many beaches. Fortunately for me, until today, I have not encountered nor saw any life-threatening situation around water. Despite so, a scary thought of such case haunts me. Only after I come to Australia that I realise how important water safety and first-respond knowledge and skills are. So, to protect my loved ones and spread these life-saving insights, I applied for the Swimming Safe Grant (SSG) by UNSW Health Promotion Unit.

Following my water safety journey, which previously started with Beach Ocean Safety (BOS) program, I wish to further improve my stamina as a durable swimmer and improve my techniques. Furthermore, it has been more than a year after the BOS program, and I would like to have a refreshing course on providing CPR and first aid. Lastly, in order to share these critical knowledges to a wider audience, a peer of like-minded people is surely needed. Thus, meeting individuals that is motivated to do the same, or more, in water safety is another reason to participate in SSG program. Notably, if BOS program has shown me something about the programs held by the Health Promotion Unit is that it is fun, safe, and life-changing, as well as filled with diverse people.

My name is Dwarakacharla Harsha Vardhan Reddy, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Engineering Science in Telecommunications at UNSW. Originally from India, learning to swim has been one of my long-term and unachieved goals until I joined formal programs like Learn to Swim. This program marked the beginning of my swimming journey, which continued with the Beach Ocean Swim Program, where I overcame my fear of the ocean and learned survival skills in water. These experiences fostered a profound passion for water safety in me, and I gained invaluable skills and knowledge in water safety education.

Beyond these formal programs, I have actively engaged in informal water safety activities with friends, continually advocating for safe practices and awareness around water environments. I am excited to join the Swimming Safe Grant program because it aligns perfectly with my passion for promoting water safety and my desire to make a meaningful impact. Through this grant, I aim to become a surf lifesaver and raise awareness, educate others, and contribute innovative solutions to enhance water safety practices.

Hi everyone, my name is Si from Nanning, Guangxi, China. Growing up by the river, I've always been fascinated by water activities, ironically, I'm not a experienced swimmer. Despite that, I took up surfing and I might say became quite good at it, which is why I chose Sydney, a city with beaches and bays, as my study abroad destination.

Upon arriving in Sydney, I quickly set off to surf on my own. Excitement for the new beach led me to rush into the water without hesitation. I reached the familiar chest-deep waters, confidently waiting for my wave, but soon I was caught in a sudden large wave that rolled me underwater and disoriented. The panic of not being a strong swimmer caused me to hold my breath, but luckily I felt my feet hit the bottom. Calming down, I slowly stood up and returned to the beach.

This experience left me scarred and hesitant to swim in pool or enter the ocean again until I participated in the BOS program. It allowed me to learn more about Australian beaches and waves in a safe and supervised environment, regaining some confidence.

I applied for this grant not only to improve my swimming skills and be able to save myself calmly in an emergency, but also want to share my experiences with other international students to raise awareness of water safety. I also hope to spread the word so that more people can better assess Sydney's waves and their own abilities then make their decision about dive in or run out.

My name is Hao Zhu, originally from China. I'm currently studying information technology. I developed a deep passion for swimming during my childhood, inspired by watching Michael Phelps win 8 gold medals in 2008 Olympics, which is truly amazing. Although I might not be a swimmer like him, I can help keep the water safe. I joined the BOS program, where I learned a lot of valuable skills such as reading beach signs, identifying rips and mastering the technique of duck diving. These experience have increased my confidence in swimming in the ocean significantly. I am thrilled to be a part of the SSG program at UNSW. I am looking forward to further develop my water safety skills and connecting with the swim-safe community. My goal is to gain more experience in maintaining water safety and contribute to creating a safer aquatic environment for everyone.

My name is Yujing Zhao, perfered name is Dora. I am a law student in UNSW from China, who has a keen interest in water safety and life-saving activities. Even In my country, I also spent a lot of time for swimming and water sports. For my experience with water safety, it began during my first surfing class, which quickly became a cherished weekly activity. While enjoying the waves, I observed numerous life-saving personnel onshore, witnessing firsthand the crucial role they play in ensuring beachgoers' safety. These experiences ignited my desire to contribute to this vital community service.

Excited to join the Swimming Safe Grant, I am eager to be a volunteer as a member of life-saving and safeguarding organiazations. This activity gives me an opportunity to improve my personal swimming skills and gain valuable experience in water safety. My goal is to contribute effectively to water safety initiatives. Through the Swimming Safe Grant, I do believe I could not only enhance swimming proficiency but also to become an integral part of the life-saving community.