As an Australian-born Kurd, Neanne Alnafta says two years ago she was all too aware of the barriers her Muslim identity created when it came to her ocean swimming ambition. She came to Bondi, joined a group and dipped a toe in the water but didn’t feel she had the support she needed to keep at it.
“Then I found Swim Sisters and now I’m a Garie SLSC lifesaver. I was still fearful when it came to longer distance ocean swimming so I came back to Bondi for the ocean swimming programme.” She hasn’t looked back and, with the programme now approaching its final week, she’s come a long way, conquering her fears to reach her goal surrounded by her Swim Sisters and supported by Bondi Surf Club lifesavers. Sarah Forde, who’s leading this year’s Bondi Surf Club-Swim Sisters programme, moved to Australia from England in 2015 and while she was a confident pool swimmer had never lived by the ocean before. Amongst her reasons for joining the Club in 2016 was building her knowledge and confidence in the ocean. “
Four years on and I’m now a very active member of the Club. I love to share my passion for swimming and the surf with others, seeing them build their confidence and skills so they too can enjoy swimming in the ocean.”Now in its third year at Bondi, Swim Sisters addresses low water safety awareness and swimming ability amongst women in multicultural communities, providing culturally appropriate training. Photography by Tim Read #bondisurfclub#firstclub#surflifesaving#noliveslots#bondibluewater#volunteer#swimsisters#empoweringwomen#staysafe#love