Schools from across the region hit the pool as part of the Westpac South West Spirit Carnival.
Held on Thursday, April 5 at the South West Sports Centre, the carnival saw over 100 children from Bunbury, Busselton, and Margaret River schools take on a variety of non-competitive events.
The students participated in modified races, game-based activities, life saving exercises, and relays.
The day, designed for Years 3 to 6, also featured outdoor events and a barbecue.
Westpac SW Spirit Carnival club services coordinator Georgi Powers said the event brought schools together to participate in a fun, relaxed environment.
“The event encourages positive spirit and we always try to invite an indigenous school along. That school here is Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School,” she said.
“It is designed so, no matter their ability, the students can swim in races with their friends.”
The carnival was devised to connect swimming clubs to the community.
Westpac SW Spirit Carnival development officer Amy Perrie said children greatly benefited from learning how to swim.
“There are lots of mental health benefits to swimming,” she said. “It’s all about the repetitive nature of it, about having fun, and about making them feel like the water can be fun and safe.”
“getting kids in from an early age helps them to feel a sense of belonging.”
The group runs one carnival in the South West and another in the Pilbara region each year.
They have made plans to expand into other regions across Western Australia.
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