Moruya Special Olympics representative Heidi Jay is the YMCA Swimathon ambassador for the shire’s pools and is urging people to get involved and support the cause.

“I hope more people with a disability from our region are given the chance to learn to swim,” she said.

Jay says she doesn’t have a care in the world when she is immersed in water because it’s so refreshing and fun. 

She wants others to learn so that they receive the same benefits.

“It’s important for people to learn to swim so they stay safe and its great way to keep fit and have fun on hot days,” she said.  

YMCA Eurobodalla community manager Vicki Baker echoed Jay’s message as the Eurobodalla is home to many kinds of waterways and swimming spots for kids, families and tourists to enjoy.

“We have rivers, lakes, beaches, pools and it’s very important that people learn to swim so that they can enjoy our surroundings,” Baker said.

The money raised by each of the shire’s pools will go toward its specialised Swimability swimming lessons for a child with a disability. 

It’s part of an open doors program that encourages kids with special needs to learn to swim, offering private lessons if required.

“The fundraiser helps us subsidise special needs swimming lessons that could be aimed at one particular child or a group of people,” she said. 

The event will run from 10am to 11am at the Moruya War Memorial Swimming Centre, Narooma Swimming Centre and Batemans Bay Swimming Centre. 

Swimmers are required to gather sponsors for a swim that’s either a number of laps, or over a set length of time, with all money raised going toward the centre they’ve swum in.   

Registrations are open at www.ymcaswimathon.org.au or at the shire’s swimming centres.