Every week at BayFit and Laverton, we have the privilege of watching children achieve milestones they never thought possible, thanks to an incredible local group we are proud to host at our facilities.
For more than 55 years, Rainbow Club Australia has been driven by a singular, powerful mission:
Ensuring every child and young person with a disability has the opportunity to learn vital swimming and water safety skills in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Here at BayFit, we share their belief that every child deserves the confidence, independence, and freedom that comes from being able to enjoy the water safely, regardless of their ability.
The Personal Story Behind the Mission
The inspiration for Rainbow Club stems from a deeply personal moment. In 1969, Ron Siddons (a passionate beach inspector and lifesaver) witnessed a father struggling to keep his son with a disability safe in the surf. Realising there were no suitable swimming programs available, Ron and his wife Lily dedicated themselves to creating opportunities for children with a disability to learn to swim and experience the joy and freedom of the water.
What began with a handful of families at Cronulla in Sydney has grown into a network of more than 75 Rainbow Clubs across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT.
Over five decades later, that same purpose continues to inspire the team every week in our pools. We get to see children who may have arrived feeling anxious around water grow to become confident and safely enjoy time with their families. Whether it's a child putting their face in the water for the first time, swimming independently, or simply finding the confidence to join in and have fun, these moments remind us all why Rainbow Club exists.
Creating an Inclusive Community at BayFit
Rainbow Club is a vital part of our community, partnering with BlueFit to deliver specialised swimming and water safety lessons right here at BayFit, Laverton, and other BlueFit-managed Aquatic centres across Australia.
They significantly enrich our facility by helping us build a truly inclusive aquatic community. Together, we provide a welcoming space where children with disabilities can develop essential water safety skills, enjoy the many benefits of swimming, and achieve their goals with a genuine sense of belonging.
Fundraising Goals: The Get Fit Give Back Campaign
For more than five years, Rainbow Club has also been a charity partner in BlueFit's Get Fit Give Back campaign. The funds raised through this initiative by our members and staff support specific, vital goals to expand their impact:
Specialised Teacher Training: Ensuring instructors have the skills to adapt lessons to each child's unique needs.
Sensory Equipment: Providing tools that help children who require a more sensory-based approach to feel comfortable and engaged in the water
Expanding Access: Creating opportunities for even more children and young people with a disability to access these life-changing programs.
In Their Own Words
The impact of these programs goes far beyond the pool edge. Katie Allen, Rainbow Club Australia's Victorian Regional Manager, shares what drives her and the team:
"Every week I see the difference swimming can make, not just for our members, but for their entire family. Watching a child become confident around water, celebrate a milestone they never thought possible, or simply feel like they belong is incredibly rewarding. We're proud to partner with BayFit and Laverton to ensure more local families have access to specialised swimming lessons in a welcoming and inclusive environment."
