Superfin program supported by Telethon raises money to give back in exciting ‘swimathon’

Supporting kids like Bronte, 8, to get in the pool and learn to swim is the driving force behind Superfins.

The non-profit club provides weekly swimming lessons in Subiaco to children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, and its Learn to Swim program has been funded by Telethon for the past 15 years.

“It’s a really inclusive space, and the teachers are amazing. The way they accommodate the children, and they’ve just got strategies for anything,” Bronte’s mum Karla Murphy said.

“Bronte’s made some lovely little friends and it’s just an amazing thing to be a part of — we’re really grateful.”

“It’s amazing to see that with the right support, she can participate in anything. It’s really lovely,” dad Patty added.

Each year, the club gives back through its annual “Swimathon” fundraiser.

Dozens of swimmers hit the pool on Saturday, swimming a whopping 1952 laps equivalent to 97.6km.

For Superfins coordinator Helen Harris, there’s no where else she’d rather be.

“It’s my passion. I love it. The joy that you see from swimming, regardless of ability or neurodivergence, neurotypical, able-bodied, disabled, it should be accessible to everybody. It’s part of our lifestyle in WA, and we should have access to it,” she said.

“The Swimathon is fantastic because not only are we raising money for Telethon and having fun as a group. We’re also getting kids to transfer skills from one pool to another, which is a valuable skill.”