For more than 40 years, the Learn to Swim and Water Safety Program has been a cornerstone of the Meander Valley community, offering free swimming lessons to children and emphasising essential water safety skills. Spearheaded by dedicated volunteers like Lois Catchlove, the program continues to make a lasting impact in a region defined by its rivers, creeks, and dams.
Held annually at the Deloraine Council Pool on West Parade, just a short walk from the caravan park, the program runs for two weeks every January. This year’s lessons, lasting 30 minutes each, are scheduled between 10 am and 2:30 pm from Monday to Friday. Registration will take place on Thursday, 2 January 2025, from 10 am to 2 pm.
Catchlove, who has been deeply involved with the program, explained that its reach extends beyond school-based swimming initiatives. “We’ve had children from Deloraine Primary School, Mole Creek Primary, Hagley Farm School, Our Lady of Mercy, and even homeschooled children,” she said. “Last year or the year before, we had 16 homeschooled children enrolled, which is fantastic because they don’t have the advantage of a swimming program at school.”
The program is entirely free, thanks to funding by Rotary, which covers the cost of pool hire and qualified instructors. This accessibility ensures all children aged five and over in the Meander Valley district have the opportunity to learn potentially life-saving skills. Rotary’s funding for the Learn to Swim and Water Safety program comes directly from the money raised from the Tasmanian Craft Fair.
Catchlove stressed the importance of teaching water safety in an area surrounded by natural waterways. “Because we have so many rivers and creeks and dams in this area, it’s essential that children be taught water safety as much as learning to swim,” she said. The dual focus on swimming skills and safety education ensures children are not only confident in the water but also aware of the risks and how to navigate them.
The program has faced challenges, including the one year needing to relocate due to flooding, but its mission has remained steadfast. In 2022, it welcomed 72 participants, and in 2023, that number was 52. Both years taught a large number of Meander Valley children basic water safety, and the program hopes to do the same again this year.
For Catchlove, one of the most rewarding aspects of her involvement is witnessing children overcome their fears. “You see a child come along, maybe five or six, who’s absolutely petrified of the water, and at the end of the two weeks, they’re able to swim quite happily on their own, the width of the pool. That’s a real bonus,” she said.
As the 2025 program approaches, families across the Meander Valley are encouraged to take advantage of this free opportunity. With Rotary’s support and the dedication of community members like Lois Catchlove, the program continues to equip local children with skills that not only enhance their confidence but also ensure their safety in and around the water.
