Swinwest Swimming Club will swim laps to save young Australian lives

The Swimwest club is based out of Hawkesbury Oasis, South Windsor and has members ranging from six-years-old to 19-years-old.

Laps for Life was set up by ReachOut Australia and sees an individual or group set a goal to swim a certain distance throughout the month of March, and then raise funds from friends, family and their community to hep prevent youth suicide.

ReachOut Australia works to ensure that all young Australians have the support they need to be happy and well.

On their website it states: "ReachOut is Australia's leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Our practical support, tools and tips help young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times".

The Swimwest Team decided to participate in the event this year after their male club captain, Colby Hedges, did so as an individual in 2019.

"I did it last year after I saw it on Facebook," said Colby, who swam around 89 kilometers in 2019.

"This year I brought it to the rest of the club and they got on-board with it quickly. Most of the team were on-board straight away."

Colby and fellow club captain Bridgette Street believe that mental health is important and especially in kids around their age and wanted to help out by setting this challenge for the club.

"I know people who have been effected by mental health issues and I wanted to do something about it," he said.

"Being a teenager in the current climate and also competing in a highly competitive sport I can see the pressures on young people and the effects that it can have on them and their families, and I wanted to help out.

"All of our targets are 100 kilometers and the younger swimmers in our club will be doing around 10."

The teams money goal was originally set at $2000 but having surpassed that they put it up to $3000. As of Tuesday, March 3 their total is at $2,643.

Colby doesn't just see this as an opportunity to fund raise but also to bring the club closer together.

"I see it as being a good fundraising opportunity," said Colby. "It is also an opportunity for team building for us to do."

The Swimwest Swimming Clubs fundraising page says: "Every day, one young Aussie takes their own life - that's one too many. Every dollar you donate to our fundraising page will help ReachOut provide all young Aussies with the support they need to be happy and well".

To donate to Swimwest's challenge visit lapsforlife.com.au/fundraiser/theswimwestsquad