Aarati learns to swim for the next generation
Aarati came to Australia from Nepal, a landlocked country where swimming was never part of her daily life. Her fear of water came from a frightening experience when she was a child.
"When I was young, I nearly drowned in the river during a family picnic near my house," Aarati recalls.
"I slipped on a stone, and the next thing I was under the water. I couldn't breathe. I was panicked. Someone pulled my leg to get me out."
Moving to Australia, Aarati found herself surrounded by water. She often felt scared and anxious near pools and beaches. "I felt like I was going to drown, even when the water was up to my waist."
Aarati wanted to feel more confident. "I thought I should learn swimming because I have a 13-month-old daughter. I want to be able to join her in the pool when she's older."
She heard about A Splash of Colour Swimming from a friend at work who mentioned the free classes. She felt encouraged to join, knowing there would be a friend by her side.
The program's focus on emotional safety was important for Aarati. In her first class, her fear was obvious.
"I was the one in the group screaming 'You're not going to leave me, right?'"
"The instructors immediately made me feel safe. They told me they were there for me."
Aarati completed the term. Her relationship with water changed completely, and she gained skills that help her feel safer.
"I learnt important swimming skills, like not panicking while you're in the water. Even if you can't swim perfectly, you learn how to save yourself in the water."
Her instructor praised her improvement from the first class to the final class. This meant a lot to Aarati.
"Now, any day off, I want to swim for an hour! If I can do that, why can't I do other things? It's had such a positive impact on my life."
Aarati found deep connection within the classes. Her passion is now influencing her community and her family.
"I was sad to leave the instructors and the people in the class when the term finished. I can't wait to do the next lessons," she said.
Aarati is now determined to give her daughter the water-positive start she never had. She also plays an active role helping others like herself who feel uncertain or scared.
"I tell them it's never too late to learn."
Aarati was a Splash of Colour Swimming participant at Gosford Aquatic Centre.
Celebrating Excellence in the Aquatic Industry
Excellence in Cultural Diversity Award from Royal Life Saving
A Splash of Colour Swimming received the Excellence in Cultural Diversity award at The Aquas 2025 Gala, hosted by Royal Life Saving NSW.
The event celebrated achievements in lifesaving sport, leadership, cultural inclusion, and innovation. Recognised for breaking down barriers and promoting water safety among CALD communities, A Splash of Colour Swimming program was honoured alongside other industry leaders before an audience of over 230 guests.
