Grief and Awareness: How One Sydney Leader's Personal Tragedy Led to a Community-Saving Initiative
In a poignant tale of personal loss transforming into a community-saving mission, former Nepalese Australian Association president Rishi Acharya's story is a powerful reminder of the impact of grief and the importance of cultural understanding in water safety. Acharya's journey began with a devastating loss: the fatal drowning of his good friend in the Kangaroo River.
This tragedy, unfortunately, is not an isolated incident. The statistics are alarming: in 2025, people born overseas accounted for about a third of the 357 fatal drownings in Australia, with those from Nepal being nearly three times as likely to perish. The impact on the small community of around 220,000 Nepalese Australians is profound, with 31 drownings over the past decade, including 10 deaths between 2023-2025.
Acharya's response to this crisis is a testament to the power of personal tragedy to inspire change. He learned to swim, ensuring his son Suyog receives lessons at Blue Fit's Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre, a hub for the community's diverse population. This initiative is part of a broader program, We Swim, funded by the federal government and Royal Life Saving Australia.
We Swim aims to address the unique challenges faced by multicultural communities, recognizing that their cultural norms and experiences differ significantly from those of Australians. For instance, Nepalis expect rivers to be predictable, but Australian rivers often present unpredictable challenges like mud and snags. The program also acknowledges the beach and ocean as new experiences for many, with signs warning of dangers in multiple languages.
The initiative's dashboard, accessible at https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/WESWIM/resources/community-prioritisation-dashboard, provides a detailed breakdown of fatal drownings and their locations. This data-driven approach ensures that resources are allocated where they are most needed, focusing on areas like Georges River, home to a significant Nepalese Australian population.
Acharya's personal tragedy has not only saved lives but also highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in water safety education. His story serves as a powerful reminder that personal loss can be a catalyst for positive change, fostering a more inclusive and safe environment for all.
