The University of Melbourne
Supporting established programs and providing new and emerging activities:
When Lucy arrived in Melbourne from Beijing to begin her Master of Marketing and Communications, she didn’t know a single person. Everything was unfamiliar, from the language to the lifestyle, and while it was exciting, it was also overwhelming.
During Orientation Week, Lucy noticed a flyer for the Water Safety Program, a free, ten-week aquatics education initiative. Though she was nervous, she found the courage to sign up. It turned out to be one of the best decisions she made.
Through the program, Lucy not only learned to swim, but also began forming friendships. One of her first connections was with her swim instructor, a local student who made her feel welcome. The weekly lessons quickly became her favourite part of the week. She even told her family back home in China about them, which reassured her parents, knowing she was making friends and gaining life-saving skills.
The program, run in partnership with Life Saving Victoria, taught Lucy and her classmates about rips, tides, and how to stay safe at the beach. They even had a fun day out at the coast, an Australian ‘rite of passage’. Since its launch in 2017, over 7,000 students have participated in the program.
Lucy’s swim class of eight, made up of students from across the globe, quickly became her core group of friends. Together, they formed a study group, attended university events like the Night Market, and cheered each other on during student sporting competitions, including one memorable table tennis match in Wilson Hall, where Lucy’s parents watched the livestream and spotted her in the crowd.
Their friendship extended beyond campus too. They began ticking off their Australian bucket lists, starting with a road trip along the Great Ocean Road.
Looking back, Lucy credits the Water Safety Program as the catalyst for everything. It gave her skills, confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. It laid the foundation for her entire university experience.
Goal: Improve the physical and mental wellbeing of all students and staff
Result: Empower students like Lucy to build confidence, develop vital life skills, and create lasting social connections.
Visit The University of Melbourne’s page on the Water Safety Program
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