Australia is launching a new national program aimed at reducing drowning risks among refugees, recently arrived migrants and multicultural communities, with $5 million in government funding available for local water-safety initiatives.

The WE SWIM Multicultural Community Water Safety Program, delivered by Royal Life Saving Society Australia, will support organisations working to improve swimming skills, water awareness and access to aquatic facilities. Applications are open to councils, multicultural organisations, settlement services, aquatic centres and swim schools.

The initiative comes amid concerns that people from culturally diverse backgrounds can face additional barriers to learning how to swim and understanding Australian water hazards. People born overseas account for one in three drowning deaths in Australia, according to the government.

The funding will support different types of local projects. Place-based partnerships can receive up to $100,000, while community programs can receive up to $50,000. Smaller grants of up to $10,000 will support multicultural ambassadors and emerging leaders, while individuals can receive up to $5,000 for ambassador activities.

The program is designed to go beyond traditional swimming lessons. Projects can make aquatic facilities more welcoming, provide culturally appropriate water-safety education and connect multicultural families with local swimming services.

For newly arrived migrants and refugees, unfamiliarity with Australian beaches, rivers, pools and local water conditions can create additional risks. Language, financial and cultural barriers can also make accessing swimming education more difficult.

The initiative supports the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030, which has set a national target of reducing drowning deaths by 50 per cent by 2030.

The government says the program will help multicultural communities develop practical water-safety skills while building confidence and a greater sense of belonging.

With applications now open, councils and community organisations will play a key role in determining how the $5 million investment reaches communities across Australia.