Royal Life Saving Bus

Free transportation for kids to learn swimming and lifesaving skills

Royal Life Saving’s Aquatic Safety Training Academy is now able to provide free transportation to even more schools and community groups to access vital swimming and water safety education thanks to the new addition of a bus with the support of the Seven Hills-Toongabbie RSL.

Royal Life Saving NSW CEO Michael Ilinsky says the continued rising costs of transport and logistical challenges schools face is presenting a significant barrier to schools accessing practical water safety experiences.

“For many families, private swimming lessons are out of reach and they are dependent on access to school-based swimming programs to provide their children the opportunity to participate in water safety education.

“We don’t want children missing out because schools can’t afford the high cost of transport on top of lesson fees. Thanks to the addition of a new bus, Royal Life Saving can ensure more children are able to access these vital skills,” says Mr. Ilinsky.

The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report revealed that 37 children under the age of 10 died due to drowning in Australian waterways last year. For every child that loses their life to drowning, a further 8 are admitted to hospital for non-fatal drowning which can result in permanent brain damage.

With a booming population in Western Sydney, more people than ever require access to water safety education at a reasonable cost.

Royal Life Saving NSW has provided transportation to schools as part of its swimming and water safety for the past 5 years with the support of the Seven Hills-Toongabbie RSL. The demand for transport was so high that Royal Life Saving needed a second bus to keep up with the requests.

The purchase of a new bus allows the Aquatic Safety Training Academy to double its capabilities to transport two primary school classes at a time to service more local students and schools.

Royal Life Saving NSW CEO Michael Ilinsky says, “Royal Life Saving’s Aquatic Safety Training Academy has always aimed to make learn to swim classes more accessible by keeping costs as low as possible. We are incredibly grateful for the Seven Hills-Toongabbie RSL’s support in helping us to bring water safety education to more local children.”

The state-of-the-art facility located at Seven Hills features a 25 metre training pool, a 20 metre program pool as well as seminar and training rooms. The Academy maintains a strong commitment to water safety in the local community through its many water safety initiatives targeting young children and culturally diverse communities.

“Seven Hills-Toongabbie RSL are extremely proud to continue their longstanding support of the Aquatic Safety Training Academy and sponsor the bus. We believe that together with Royal Life Saving we can have a huge impact on children’s lives. All Australian children should be given the opportunity to learn to Swim and Survive” says RSL President Barry Wilson.

To learn more about Royal Life Saving NSW and their programs please visit royalnsw.com.au

Royal Life Saving Bus