Swimming for lives

For the past five years the Werri Point Swimmers have taken part in the Laps for Life challenge raising a massive $30,000 to help combat youth suicide.

In the month of March, Laps for Life invites everyone to swim kilometres to raise money for Reach Out, an organisation that gives youth an anonymous platform to get support and receive help.

In what has been a huge effort for the nine Werri Point Swimmers, they have raised almost $6,700 this month and swam a collective of 360 kilometres.

“For most of us, we’ve all got connections to people in the community who have lost their lives through suicide,” says Simon Sadler who is part of the Werri Point Swimmers.

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for 16-24 year olds in Australia.

“A couple of years ago there was a number of deaths of young people in Gerringong and a lot of people asked about what they could do to help. One of the ways is to support organisations like Reach Out who provide resources to young people.”

The team have swum every morning in March off South Werri Beach and they encourage people to join in for next year’s fundraiser.

“The key message is not how far you swim but it’s a matter of challenging yourself to do something that takes you outside your comfort zone and feel the mental health benefits,” says Simon.

This year is Kiama local Sandra Camilleri’s first time participating in Laps for Life and she plans to do it every year moving forward.

She has been swimming at Kiama rock pool and Minnamurra river four days a week to hit her goal of 30 kilometres and has raised $500 in the process.

“It’s a really good organisation with every dollar going toward helping somebody,” she says.

“If you can help one child save their life, then it’s all worth it.

This month, Laps for Life have raised $3 million with over 10,000 participants. You can still donate to Reach Out through Werri Point Swimmers or Sandra at lapsforlife.com.au.

by Cassandra Zaucer