Bluewater Leisure Centre is launching women's-only swim nights starting Friday 17 October to help more local women get active in a safe, welcoming space.
The sessions for women of all ages will run for six weeks from 7.15pm to 8.45pm each Friday until 21 November, with a $7 entry fee. Free childcare will be available as part of the trial, with the aquatics area fully staffed by female attendants.
Colac Otway Shire Council's Community Services Manager Ashish Sitoula said Council was supporting the program through its VicHealth partnership, which placed a strong emphasis on providing safe and inclusive environments for girls and women who faced barriers to getting active.
"VicHealth research shows that nearly 50% of Victorian women aged 25 and over believe that sporting clubs are intimidating and one third believe that sporting clubs are not welcoming for females.
"Given the majority of females are not doing enough physical activity to benefit their health and wellbeing, it's important to provide opportunities for women and girls to get active in our community in a welcoming and inclusive environment," he said.
The program has been initiated by Cultura, with support from Bluewater, Council and Colac Area Health.
Cultura's Strategic Partnerships Coordinator for Colac Fran Grossi said she received strong feedback from the shire's culturally and linguistically diverse community for more women's-only opportunities to get active and connect socially.
"To create inclusive spaces, we need to understand the barriers faced by all members of our community. For some women, cultural and religious expectations, family responsibilities, language, finances, and past experiences can make participation difficult.
"Women-only spaces help remove these obstacles, providing a safe, welcoming environment where all women can be active and connect socially," she said.
Health Promotion Coordinator at Colac Area Health, Emily Alston, said it was exciting to be offering more women-only opportunities for physical activity in the community.
"We know that physical activity provides significant benefits not only for women's physical health but also their mental health. Creating more inclusive opportunities and reducing barriers to participation is something we're really excited about."
Bluewater's Health and Experience Coordinator Sam Fennell said Bluewater was committed to creating inclusive and supportive environments where women felt comfortable to participate in swimming and other activities.
"Our goal is to empower women of all backgrounds to feel confident and supported while taking active steps toward a healthier lifestyle," she said.
Bookings are required for childcare places, which can be made by contacting Bluewater on 5232 9551.
