A Western Sydney father who couldn’t swim a few months ago is set to take on the Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney this May after participating in the Learn to Swim program at Sydney Gymnastic & Aquatic Centre (SGAC).

Indian born Amit Gupta migrated to Australia eight years ago and had little experience in the water before taking up adult swim lessons after he had enrolled his young children at SGAC.

"My kids are the reason I started. I wanted to be able to swim with them properly, not just watch from the side,” Mr Gupta said.

“I didn’t really know how to swim. I could get into the water, but I didn’t know the technique or how to swim with my head down properly. The classes really helped me build that confidence.”

That confidence inspired Amit to start training for the Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney being held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre this May, which consists of a 1.9km swim, 90 km bike ride and 21.1km run.

“A few years ago, I never would have imagined doing something like this, but the structured lessons by SGAC helped develop both technique and endurance to swim distances I never thought possible,” he said.

Based in Rooty Hill, SGAC offers a range of aquatic programs from baby learn-to-swim to adult classes and aquatic fitness, designed to build confidence, teach water safety and provide fun and fitness for people of all ages.

“That confidence is what inspired me to start training for Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney this May," Mr Gupta said.

“The kids are not only happy that we are all able to be in the water together, but they also think it's pretty cool that Dad is doing a race.”

SGAC Aquatics Manager Blake O’Shannassy said stories like Amit’s highlight the important role swim programs play in building confidence and improving water safety across the community.

“Swimming is one of the most important life skills someone can develop, particularly in Australia, where water is such a big part of our lifestyle,” Mr O’Shannassy said.

“Drowning remains a serious issue in Australia, with adults aged 25 to 44 among the most represented age groups in drowning statistics1.

“Programs such as our Learn to Swim adult classes featuring beginner to advanced lessons are critical in improving confidence and water safety in the community.”

Mr O’Shannassy said SGAC had expanded adult swim classes to meet growing demand.

“To accommodate that demand, we’ve expanded our adult classes, including additional weekend sessions to give people more flexibility around work and family commitments,” Mr O’Shannassy said.

“We’ve seen increasing interest from adults wanting to learn to swim or improve their technique, particularly people who may not have had the opportunity growing up.”