SWIMMING NEWS Indonesia is an island archipelago yet very few people learn how to swim. Drownings are a common occurrence with the majority of people having no understanding of the inherent dangers surrounding activities near or in a water environment. However, there are many children who go against the norm and learn how to swim, show talent and skill, and develop a love for the sport and a desire to achieve excellence. Unfortunately these children are in the minority rather than the majority. *World Health Organisation estimates that 2% of all preventable deaths of children in Asia are caused by drowning. In Indonesia, with a population of over 220,000,000 people, (28.4% are aged under 15yrs#) this would equate to over 3,000 children each year will drown. A staggering and frightening figure, particularly when the vast majority would be preventable. In Bali, along the south coast between Seseh Beach and Nusa Dua almost 300 people are rescued by the Balawista Surf Lifesaving each year, with approximately 5% becoming a fatality statistic. Many of those rescued are Indonesians on holidays who have little or no understanding of the dangers and no experience with water awareness and/or survival techniques. Children are our most treasured asset and anything we can do to protect them or to make them safer is well worth the effort. Do you agree? Bali Swim4Kids is an initiative that through support and assistance of Bali Sports 4 Peace Foundation and the right promotion will be able to provide swimming and water safety lessons for the average and underprivileged children on Bali, and in the future, Indonesia as a whole. Our Simple Plan:
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Conduct an Ocean Swimming Competition on July 4. Entries are open to both local competitors and overseas visitors.
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Any money raised through sponsorships by businesses or individuals would go to BS4PF for the Bali Swim4Kids program.
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Equipment for teaching, such as kickboards and noodles will be provided.
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The ocean swim and subsequent program would become an annual event. The bigger the race becomes, the more children who will benefit from the program.
The swim is a 1.2K and 5 K under the supervision of the Balawista Surf Lifesaving Group at Kuta Beach. Event is run for males and females in the following age groups: Juniors (12 to 17 years), Adults (18 to 35 years) and Masters (over 35) Money raised from entries to the event is to be used (after expenses are covered) to conduct swimming programs at local pools (thereby generating business for them) and beach locations for children from low income families. These programs would offer children a 10-15 lesson program to develop water confidence, awareness and safety for children and an understanding of the inherent dangers of water activities. Each child would receive a pair of swim goggles and a t-shirt at no cost to them. Entry to the local pool would be covered by the program and the swim teachers utilised would be paid for from the program. As the program grows we can train local unskilled Indonesians to become Internationally recognised swim teachers, thereby giving them a skill that they can use to earn money for their families and communities.
If we manage to prevent even one death by drowning wouldn’t that be worth it all?
Categories for both Male & Female 1.2Km: Juniors—12 to 17yrs Adults—18 yrs and over Masters—Over 35 Years Entry fees: $35.00USD for Adults 18 and over 250,000Rp for residents or KITAS holder $25.00USD for Juniors 12 to 17 years 150,000Rp for residents or KITAS holder 5Km Swim—Open Age (minimum age 15yrs) Entry fees: $45.00USD 350,000Rp for Residents or KITAS holder ALL ENTRIES/ENQUIRIES TO info@balioceanswim.com www.balioceanswim.com
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