Georgia’s watery frolics in Kensington a recipe for pure happiness

Kensington

The happiest time of the week for Georgia Hayes is when she is able to enjoy the sublime freedom of swimming.

Her weekly swimming lessons are a milestone for the Kingsville 13-year-old, who has autism and an intellectual impairment.

For six years Georgia has taken part in weekly one-on-one lessons held by the YMCA at the Kensington Community Recreation Centre.

Her father, Brian, has dubbed it the “half-an-hour of happiness”.

“Her anxiety levels go down to almost zero and the freedom of the water means she doesn’t have to worry about the sensory stuff,” he said.

“It’s probably the most relaxed half-an-hour in her week. I just have to say we’re going swimming and she’s happy.”

Mr Hayes said the staff at the centre had made all the difference for Georgia, who these days spends 80 per cent of her lessons diving under water.

“She is just gorgeous to watch,” he said. “She spends a lot of the time doing breast-stroke and loves performing handstands for everybody.

“She has had 12 different teachers in the past six years … while that was a challenge at the start, it’s helped her to learn and develop how to handle different people.

“It has also been great for the staff because it has taught them how to deal with a non-verbal student.”

Mr Hayes says sleep for the family is regularly compromised and the exhaustion and struggles of caring for a child with special needs often takes a heavy toll. Despite having a strong family and support network, respite care for Georgia does not happen often enough.

“It’s important that more people understand disability and aren’t afraid or turn away,” Mr Hayes said. “It’s also a relief for us to know that Georgia has learned how to be safe around water.”

On March 2, the YMCA will hold a swimathon at the Kensington Community Recreation Centre to raise money for programs that provide swimming lessons for children who are disabled, indigenous, disadvantaged or of migrant or refugee backgrounds.

They embody four groups that are grossly over-represented in Victoria’s drowning statistics.

Centre manager Kon Kakris says helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as Geogria, is at the heart of the programs.