�ʹڲ�Ʊ

Nationality: Chinese
Studying: Bachelor of Commerce

Since arriving in Australia, I’ve actively taken part in both the Learn to Swim (LTS) program and the Beach Ocean Safety (BOS) program. These experiences were essential in building my swimming ability and understanding of Australian aquatic environments, including how to identify rip currents, read beach safety signs, and respond in emergency situations. After completing both programs, I was proud to return as a student mentor, helping new participants—especially international students—gain confidence in the water. I shared my own learning journey, supported them through practical activities, and helped bridge cultural gaps around water safety knowledge. I’m excited to join the Swimming Safe Grant because it aligns with my passion for promoting safety, inclusion, and wellbeing within the student community. Having been both a participant and a mentor in LTS and BOS, I understand the impact these programs can have. This grant would help me continue developing my skills and further contribute to creating a safer environment for everyone—especially those new to Australia’s unique water culture. I hope to build on my existing knowledge and refine my swimming and water safety capabilities to a more advanced level. I also aim to use what I learn to continue mentoring and advocating for water safety among �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s international student community. My goal is to empower others to feel safe, confident, and included in aquatic activities, whether at the pool or the beach.

My name is Haoming Wang, and I’m an international student from China, currently doing research at �ʹڲ�Ʊ. Since arriving in Australia, I’ve been lucky to participate in both the Learn to Swim program and the Beach Ocean Safety (BOS) program, which opened my eyes to how essential water safety is in this country. Back home, I didn’t have access to formal swimming lessons, so I grew up with limited skills and confidence in the water. The programs I joined at �ʹڲ�Ʊ completely changed that. Through Learn to Swim, I gained foundational techniques and overcame my fear of deep water. Beach ocean safety program gave me practical knowledge about how to stay safe at the beach, from reading rips to understanding how Australian surf conditions work. This year, I’m excited to apply for the Swimming Safe Grant to continue building on what I’ve learned. I want to become a strong swimmer, not only for my own safety but also to confidently enjoy all the aquatic experiences Australia offers. Through this grant, I hope to deepen my skills, gain independence in the water, and eventually help other international students feel comfortable and safe in aquatic environments too. Water safety is something I now care deeply about, and I’m ready to keep learning.

My name is Michael. My parents are originally from Cambodia, but I was born and raised in Sydney. I'm currently studying a Master of IT (Data Science).

Growing up, I had some exposure to swimming at my local swimming pool. However, this did not necessarily translate to proficiency in swimming at the beach. Getting caught in a couple of rips at the beach quickly developed my anxiety for beach swimming.

I'm excited to join the swimming safe grant because it provides an opportunity to give back to a community that always kept me safe at the beach. I hope to be able to share what I learn throughout this process with others who may share similar anxieties around swimming at the beach.

Hi, I'm Qiannuo from China, currently pursuing my Master of Information Technology at �ʹڲ�Ʊ. I have completed both LTS and BOS programs in Term 1 2025, where I learned four swimming strokes, diving techniques, how to deal with ocean waves and essential first aid skills. During my vacations, I enjoy snorkeling with family and friends, and I love observing sea creatures swimming around me.

Improving my swimming skills is the main reason for joining this swimming safe grant program. Strong swimming abilities form the foundation for all water sports activities. Through this program, I hope to enhance both my technical swimming skills and safety awareness in aquatic environments. I'm also excited about the opportunity to connect with talented students from diverse backgrounds who share similar interests.

I hope this program would help me become more confident in water environments and contribute to a safer swimming community for international students like myself.

I’m Vincent Fitzgerald Trajano, currently pursuing my Master of International Business. Like most Filipino kids, I learned to swim in pools, rivers, and the ocean, during summer, surrounded by friends and cousins. Some of my closest friends were trained swimmers, and over time, they taught me the basics. Since then, I’ve become the go-to “swim coach” for my nephews and nieces. Being the youngest of six means I’ve always had a full class!

Swimming has always been a part of my life. Back in the Philippines, I swam laps daily and took every chance I could to swim in the sea. Since moving to Sydney, I’ve fallen in love with the beaches—their size, beauty, and raw power. But I’m also aware of how dangerous they can be, especially for those unfamiliar with local water conditions. That’s why I’m so excited to join the Swimming Safe Grant.

I’ve always had this quirky dream of being both a teacher and a lifeguard. While I’ve managed to become the first, I see this program as a step toward the second—even if just in spirit. Through this grant, I hope to be trained and equipped with the right knowledge so I can keep helping others learn to swim safely, whether here or back home, where water is such a big part of life. And even if I never become a professional lifeguard, I want to be that person who can pass on potentially life-saving skills to my community—just like I’ve done with my own family.

Sophia Chloe is a Filipino international student at �ʹڲ�Ʊ, currently undertaking a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) and Master of Biomedical Engineering (BE/ME) degree. While passionate about STEM and student outreaches, Sophia also values holistic development, and for her, swimming has always been a deeply personal pursuit.

Having completed the Learn to Swim (LTS) Program in the Philippines, Sophia advanced directly to the competitive level, skipping the advanced stage. However, years away from formal training caused her confidence in the water to decline. The Swimming Safe Grant offers her the opportunity to reconnect with a sport she’s loved since childhood and to develop life-saving water safety skills in a structured, supportive environment.

Sophia looks forward to improving her swimming technique, rebuilding confidence, and engaging with a community of like-minded peers. Beyond the pool, she is eager to contribute through volunteering and hopes to one day support water safety initiatives such as surf lifesaving or helping others learn to swim. Sophia hopes to inspire others, especially fellow international students, to see water safety as an empowering and lifelong skill.

My name is David, and I'm from Hong Kong. I'm currently pursuing a Master's degree in Information Technology. Australia is known for its strong beach culture and stunning beaches. However, I’ve always had a fear of the water because I almost drowned at a beach once. Studying at �ʹڲ�Ʊ, which is right next to the amazing Coogee Beach, I know it was the perfect chance to overcome my fear of the wate. So, I decided to join the Learn To Swim and Beach Ocean Safe program.

Through these programs, I not only learned essential swimming skills but also connected with many like-minded friends. My fear of the water has significantly decreased, and I even started to enjoy swimming. This feels truly amazing to me as this sounds impossible just a year ago.

I'm super excited about the Swimming Safe Grant program because I want to challenge myself to further improve my swimming skills and get to know more about the Australian beach culture. Through this program, I hope to boost my confidence in the water, raise awareness about water safety, and give back to the local community by volunteering.

Hi, I’m Jinbao! I’m currently studying Engineering at �ʹڲ�Ʊ and have been living in Australia for a few months now. Growing up, I didn’t have many chances to learn swimming through formal programs—most of my experience came from casual swims with family and friends during holidays. I can swim a little, but I’ve always felt like I lacked proper training, especially when it comes to water safety. That’s why I’m really grateful and excited to be part of the Swimming Safe Grant. I see it as a great opportunity to not only improve my swimming skills, but also to gain the confidence to enjoy the water safely—whether that’s at the beach, a pool, or even helping someone else in trouble one day. Through this program, I hope to build strong foundations in water safety and become more comfortable in different aquatic environments. I also want to encourage more students—especially those from multicultural backgrounds like mine—to take that first step into the water, knowing that it's never too late to learn.

Hello, I am Vita from Indonesia, currently studying Master of Health Leadership and Management. Before coming to Australia, my experience with water was mostly recreational, such as snorkelling, rafting, and kayaking. However, I had little formal training in swimming or water safety. Growing up in a country where beaches are everywhere but safety measures are often lacking, I felt uneasy around water. Without clear signage or proper guidance, being in the water felt risky rather than enjoyable, which gradually affected my confidence. I knew I needed the right knowledge and skills to feel truly safe, but I did not know where to start.

Joining the Learn to Swim program at �ʹڲ�Ʊ addressed that need and became one of my most valuable experiences here. I progressed from only being able to swim a few metres to learning proper techniques and gaining confidence. It also introduced me to Australia’s strong culture of water safety and the available supports.

As a medical doctor, I believe water safety skills are essential, not only for personal survivability but also to assist others in emergencies, especially in coastal or flood-prone areas. I should be prepared to respond not only on land, but also in aquatic environments, as I reflected during my time providing care in coastal outreach and aboard a floating hospital. Health promotion is equally important, and I see these skills as part of my public health responsibility.

I am excited to join the Swimming Safe Grant to continue developing these skills, contribute through volunteering, connect with a like-minded community, and learn from experienced professionals. Eventually, I hope to bring the knowledge and skills back to Indonesia, where water safety education remains limited, to improve awareness and preparedness. I aspire to make a meaningful contribution to public health both here and in my home country.

My name is Zaki Sheikh, and I'm currently studying a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Computer Science here at �ʹڲ�Ʊ.

Growing up, I’ve always been around the water, and my experience with safety has been mostly informal, like looking after younger family members at the pool. However, my main motivation for joining this programme comes from a frightening near-drowning experience involving both myself and my dad. That moment was a powerful wake-up call, making me realise just how critical it is to have formal skills and the confidence to act effectively in an emergency.

I’m incredibly excited to join the Swimming SAFE Grant because it’s a fantastic opportunity to formalise my skills. I want to build the ability to not only ensure my own safety but to genuinely help others when they’re in need.

Through the grant, my main goal is to learn the proper techniques of swimming from experienced instructors whilst building my general fitness. Looking further ahead, I wish to take these skills to the next level and perhaps even join the Surf Life Savers, allowing me to contribute directly to the safety of our beautiful coastal communities. I can't wait to dive in and get started.

Hi, I’m Jessica, a postgraduate student at �ʹڲ�Ʊ originally from regional New South Wales. I had swimming lessons growing up, but they mostly focused on the basics. Unless you were a competitive swimmer, there weren’t many chances to continue improving, especially in terms of stroke technique and endurance. Our local pool also closed during the winter months, which meant we didn’t have year-round access like many people in the city do. I’m not a beginner, but I know I can benefit from improving my endurance and refining my technique in a more structured environment. That’s why I’m really excited to be part of the Swimming Safe Grant program. It gives me the opportunity to build on my existing skills, strengthen my swimming ability, and feel safer in all kinds of aquatic settings. Now living in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, so close to the beach and surrounded by a strong water culture, I believe it’s absolutely essential to have strong swimming skills. Through this program, I hope to grow my own confidence in the water and encourage others, especially those from regional areas like mine, to see swimming as a lifelong skill worth investing in.

Hi, I’m Abhimanyu. I grew up between India and New Zealand before moving to Australia to study a Master’s in Space Systems Engineering. Coming here, I knew I wanted to make the most of not just my studies, but also the lifestyle—and that meant learning to swim properly. When I first joined the Learn to Swim program at uni, I was honestly just trying to feel more comfortable in the water. But as my skills grew, so did my confidence, and I quickly felt the advantages of learning swimming, especially for international students like me who didn’t grow up around pools or beaches. I eventually became a mentor in the program, helping others on their own swim journeys. I also encouraged all my friends to join the LTS program who were hesitant around water, and they said it was one of the best experiences they had. Receiving the Swim Safe Grant has given me the opportunity to take my swimming to the next level and begin training as a surf lifesaver—something I never imagined I’d be doing when I first came to Australia. it’s about making sure others feel safe and supported in the water, especially people from international backgrounds who are new to Australia’s beach culture. Outside of swimming, I’m passionate about biking and exploring new places. Thanks to Swim Safe, I’m now part of a growing community of people helping others stay safe while enjoying the Aussie lifestyle.

Hailing from India, I’m Syed Saleh Fouzan, an international student currently pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology, specialising in Artificial Intelligence, at �ʹڲ�Ʊ. My journey with swimming in Australia has been truly transformative and has become an important part of my personal growth since moving here. Growing up, I didn’t have access to formal swimming lessons, so enrolling in �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s Learn to Swim (LTS) and Beach Ocean Safety (BOS) programs was a milestone for me. These programs introduced me not only to the fundamentals of swimming but also to vital water safety practices essential for life in Australia’s aquatic culture. The incredible mentorship I received during these programs helped me overcome my initial fear of water. Their patient guidance transformed my anxiety into confidence and sparked a deep appreciation and passion for swimming something I never expected. I’m excited to join the Swimming Safe Grant to continue this journey and take my skills to the next level. Over the next six months, I hope to refine my swimming technique, improve my stamina, and build confidence in both pool and open water environments. I want to become the best swimmer I can be safe, skilled, and capable so that I can fully participate in Australia’s vibrant beach and aquatic culture with confidence and enjoyment. Beyond my personal development, I see this grant as an opportunity to lay the foundation for inspiring others. I aspire to one day encourage people from similar backgrounds who may not have had the chance to learn swimming to take that first step. I want to show that with the right guidance and dedication, anyone can learn this essential life skill, stay safe around water, and experience the joy and freedom that swimming brings. This grant represents more than just training it’s a personal commitment to growth, resilience, and embracing opportunities. I look forward to making the most of this experience.

Hello! I am Minkush. I grew up in North India in a small town called Sunam. In my region, most of the people never learn how to swim. For them, water safety is staying away from water. That was also my mindset. It slowly changed in the final years of my PhD in the Netherlands, when my friends pushed me to learn swimming. I slowly felt comfortable in water and eventually found swimming in the pool relaxing. The next step came when I recently moved to Sydney for my postdoc at �ʹڲ�Ʊ. Here, my colleagues planned weekend group activities around the beach, and I wasn't comfortable in getting into the ocean water. This is what motivated me to join the BOS (Beach and Ocean safety course) that I found on �ʹڲ�Ʊ FAC website. This course greatly helped me get comfortable in the ocean and enjoy my visits to the beach. All this now further encourages me to get better at swimming and also help others around me. I have recently joined the Award Holders program by Coogee Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), which will train us in dry-land safety at the beach. My final goal (in terms of my swimming ability) is to be able to join the Bronze Medallion Course by Coogee SLSC and be able to rescue people in ocean water. Therefore, the swimming safe grant seems like the perfect program for this journey :)

Hi! My name is Jodhi Kanthan and I’m an 18-year old studying Law/Arts at �ʹڲ�Ʊ. Having grown up in Sydney, I’ve always loved being in the water—whether that be school swimming, laps at the pool with my sister or cooling off at the beach with friends. As I have been lucky to have had swimming such an integral part of my life, I’ve come to appreciate how central it is to the Australian lifestyle. Throughout my schooling, I participated in various school and local swimming and water safety programs which helped me build both the confidence and awareness surrounding water safety. These experienced, coupled with time spent with family and friends in the water, have shaped my understanding of the true value of confidence in the water. I am really excited to be in the Swimming Safe Grant program in 2025 because I believe swimming and water safety should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience. This program gives me the opportunity to keep building on these skills in a structured way, be more confident in the ocean and to be part of a broader movement of inclusion in the water. Through the grant, I would like to become a stronger and safer swimmer— hoping to use these skills to aid the community as much as I can, especially for those who have not had many opportunities to do so. I am passionate about empowering others stay safe in the water and, in the future, I’d love to continue volunteering and advocating for this in support of future aquatic initiatives and programs.