Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe in the Water w/ SWIM Australia
Swimming isn’t just a sport. It’s a survival skill, a confidence booster, and for many families, a huge barrier. Especially when your child has additional needs.
That’s exactly why last month on Wine with Wita, we teamed up with SWIM Coaches and Techers Australia to explore what inclusive swim education really looks like, and why it matters so deeply.
Over four amazing episodes, I spoke with swim educators, a proud mum, and even a Paralympic gold medallist. Each conversation was a reminder that every child deserves the chance to feel safe, supported, and seen in the water.
Here’s a little peek at what we shared:
EPISODE 1: Drowning Prevention and Inclusive Swim Education with Rhiannon Kocmar
We kicked off the series with Rhiannon, SWIM Australia’s Inclusion Advisor. She brought the kind of wisdom that stops you in your tracks, especially around the realities of drowning risk for kids with disability. But what really stayed with the listeners was her passion. She spoke about inclusion not as a nice-to-have, but as something every child has a right to. From this episode, we walked away feeling more informed and so inspired by what’s possible when we simply choose to do better.
EPISODE 2: Empowering All Kids to Swim with Natalie Flintrop-Clarke
Natalie is one of those teachers who just gets it. She’s patient, kind, and deeply tuned in to each child in the water. Our chat was full of honest, practical advice, especially for parents who feel unsure about where to start. Natalie reminded us that it’s not about forcing kids to fit a program. It’s about building programs that meet kids where they are. Her message? Every child is capable, and every win counts.
EPISODE 3: The Woman Behind the Swim Teacher of the Year: A Mother’s Story
This one really touched me. I had the chance to speak with Linda, the beautiful mum of Bailey, who joined us too. Bailey is a young man who identifies as neurodivergent and recently won Swim Australia’s Teacher of the Year award. Hearing how far he’s come and how he now teaches others with such patience and care gave me goosebumps.
EPISODE 4: From Fear of Water to Paralympic Podium with Ruby Storm
Ruby’s story will stay with us for a long time. She shared how she went from being afraid of water to standing on the Paralympic podium with gold around her neck. But beyond the medals, it was her heart and honesty that stood out. Ruby reminded us that the journey isn’t always smooth, but with the right support, our kids can surprise us incredibly. I’m sure we’ll hear a lot more of Ruby!
What This Series Is Really About
These four episodes speak to something many families already know, that inclusion isn’t optional, and swimming is more than just a milestone. It’s a critical life skill, a pathway to connection, and for some children, the first time they feel truly independent.
Whether a child is just starting lessons or already loves the water, the message is clear: with the right people and the right approach, every child can learn to swim.
Five key takeaways from this series:
1. Inclusive swim education saves lives
Every child deserves access to swim lessons, but neurodivergent children often face additional barriers. When instructors are trained to meet their needs, it can be lifesaving.
2. “Different” doesn’t mean “less”
From Ruby Storm’s rise to Paralympic success to Connor Bailey becoming Swim Teacher of the Year, these episodes show that with support and opportunity, children with disabilities can achieve remarkable things.
3. Patience and adaptability matter
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instructors who slow down, listen closely, and adapt their teaching give children the confidence to thrive in the water.
4. Behind every swimmer is a story
From early interventions to emotional setbacks, the dedication of parents and carers is often invisible. These stories highlight the strength and resilience of the families behind the scenes.
5. Education and empathy create real change
Whether through better training, more inclusive policies, or simply listening more deeply, these conversations remind us that change begins with understanding and connection.
Listen to the full Wine with Wita x SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia series here:
📍 For more on inclusive swim programs, visit SWIM Australia