We are the largest provider of free swim programs in the country.
Every child in Vanuatu deserves the chance to be safe and confident in the water. Through our Let’s Swim program, VAF delivers free, structured swimming lessons to primary schools across Efate — at no cost to families or schools.
What students learn: Water safety, personal survival skills, foundational strokes, and confidence in the water.
In 2025, over 500 students from 10 schools participated — from Erakor and Mele to Nguna, Pele, Lelepa, and Moso.
Inspiring Community in Aquatics
Being Solwota Sef
With the support of the Australian Government and Team Up, we have been delivering free school swimming and community programs for over a decade.
Does your community have at least 3 volunteers interested in learning to run these programs? Get in touch with us for training programs at lpedro@vanuatuaquatics.com or call +6787735011
Our programs continue to evolve with community needs. We’ve delivered weekly aqua aerobics sessions with mamas at the Vila Seafront, weekly rural school swimming programs in North, East and West coast Efate and off shore islands, and soon we will be launching an ocean safety program.
Proven Results
Our monitoring shows real change in the children who go through the program:
- Students who correctly identified "never swim alone" — from 39% to 92%
- Students who would speak up when feeling unsafe — from 12% to 73%
- Students who said they felt proud of themselves — from 35% to 73%
- Students comfortable playing sport with boys and girls — from 23% to 62%
These aren't just swimming results. They show growth in safety awareness, confidence, communication, and inclusion — all of which support better outcomes at school.
Swim for Life
Explore the Key Benefits of Aquatic Activity
Enhanced Water Safety
Students who are physically active show better academic performance: Studies link increased physical activity with improved focus, memory and classroom behavior, supporting stronger learning outcomes.
Community Connection
More physical education does not harm academic scores: Research shows 70–300 minutes of weekly PE is associated with small improvements in math and reading — especially for girls — and does not lower performance for boys. Physical activity improves grades and classroom attention: According to the CDC, quality physical education boosts grades and standardised test scores and helps students focus and stay on task.
Improved Fitness
Swimming lessons dramatically reduce drowning risk (enabling safer participation in life and school): Children who receive swim instruction have up to an88% lower risk of drowning — a critical safety outcome that supports attendance and inclusion.
Stay Active
Upcoming Community Events
Explore our upcoming programs designed to keep our community engaged and active. Each event provides details on schedules, locations, and opportunities to connect with fellow aquatic sports enthusiasts. Join us to ensure your spot in these exciting activities!
