Learning to swim is a joyful and expected part of growing up in Australia. But for most children entering foster care, this milestone is often missed.
More than 90% of the children supported by MacKillop arrive unable to swim, leaving them at greater risk around water.
Thanks to your generosity, this is changing.
Your support is helping children in care access a full year of swim lessons: a simple intervention that can reduce their risk of drowning by up to 88%. By directing funds to foster carers, lessons can continue even if a child moves homes, ensuring they don’t lose this vital opportunity.
The change is easy to see. Eight‑year‑old Jack* is now confidently floating and swimming short distances, recently reaching Trout Level 6. His carers have also seen improvements in his social skills, patience, and ability to follow instructions.
Four‑year‑old *Olivia has progressed to the Sealions level, gaining water‑safety skills that have transformed family holidays near lakes and rivers. She’s also thriving socially, eagerly looking forward to each lesson.
Siblings Ruby*, Charlotte*, Joshua*, and Cooper* are all advancing quickly, with Ruby even qualifying for state trials. And six‑year‑old Lucas* has discovered one of his favourite activities, now swimming confidently in pools, beaches, and lakes.
Your support is giving these children safety, joy, and the chance to simply be kids.
Thank you for making this possible.
*Names changed to protect privacy