The University of Wollongong has recently launched a new Swim Club, led by student volunteers, to help students build water confidence in a relaxed and social environment.

The presence of a swim club at UOW has been missing for the last few years, despite the University’s coastal setting. 

Recognising that many students come from regional areas and include international exchange students, a dedicated group at the University of Wollongong sought to create opportunities for building water confidence.

 UOW Swim Club president Lachlan Schier said that the club activities promotes positive mental health.

“We try to keep it pretty social here, so you’re able to work on your physical and mental wellbeing at the same time,” Mr Schier said.

“You get to stay active in a social way.”

Despite being in its early days, the swim club has attracted the attention of many eager students, averaging 11 attendees per session. 

The club is funded through student-run fundraising events, organised by the club’s treasurer, Neve Morris.

“Today we held a barbeque as a fundraiser so that we can keep on going with the swim club and make these sessions cheaper and more accessible for uni students,” Miss Morris said.

According to Royal Life Saving Australia’s most recent National Drowning Report, most Australian children have the opportunity to engage in school swimming programs and public water safety programs from an early age. 

Additionally, due to Australia’s geographical conditions, the majority of Australia’s population lives close to the coastline. 

Swimming has been ingrained into Australian culture, which can be difficult for those new to the country or individuals who haven’t received the same opportunities.

UOW student and certified lifeguard, Caitlin Farrugia, said many of the university’s student body may not have had the same opportunities to become as comfortable in the water as their peers.

“At UOW, we have a lot of people move here from maybe the country, or international students who mightn’t’ve had as much opportunity to learn to swim and might not be aware of swimming conditions, especially in unprotected areas like the beach,” Miss Farrugia said.

“It’s good to encourage them to get into the water, have a go, and support them in gaining that confidence and learning that skillset.”

Miss Farrugia also emphasised the importance of gaining that confidence, considering the University of Wollongong’s geographical location.

“We’re in the Illawarra area, we want to get more people in the pool and confident in the water, just because we are a very coastal area,” she said.

The UOW Swim Club hosts multiple sessions each week, along with various social events, to help students connect and socialise with their peers.