Bec’s massive swim this March is about more than distance, it’s about hope!

This March, Bec Gumm, Aquatics Programs Coordinator at Whyalla Recreation Centre, will take on a 10km swimming challenge. This will be the 7th time Bec has taken on such a challenge, as a way to uphold personal memories of those lost to suicide, and to raise awareness for youth mental health. Bec is inviting the wider community to join her in raising funds, and to encourage others to engage in those meaningful conversations young people need to hear to stay connected to each other in our community.

Laps for Life is a national fundraiser that provides free, online mental health support for young people across Australia, and for Bec, swimming for the cause is deeply personal. After losing someone to suicide, she found herself drawn to Laps for Life. At first, it was something she did for herself; returning to the pool supported both her mental and physical health, and it gave her a way to respond to loss with action; but over time, that personal commitment grew into something broader - she began sharing her story, raising awareness, and encouraging others to support youth mental health. Year after year, March has become a time to honour her journey and raise awareness of the cause. As Bec explains on her fundraising page,

“I’m swimming this March because too many young lives are lost to suicide. Every lap I swim will help make sure there’s a safe place for young people to turn when life feels overwhelming.” 

That message sits at the heart of the Laps for Life mission. Every day, another young person in Australia loses their life to suicide, and the funds raised, help continue offering safe, accessible support for young people, along with practical resources for parents and schools. That spirit strongly reflects YMCA South Australia’s purpose-driven approach. As a not-for-profit recreation organisation, the Y exists to improve personal and community wellbeing and to deliver high-impact services that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit; across the whole community. Bec’s story is a powerful example of what working and being active at the Y looks like in practice: people coming together, using movement, connection and compassion to make a difference.

Bec says the last few years have been especially meaningful because other people have joined her in the water; what started as a personal act of healing has become a shared act of care, connection and community.

This year, people are encouraged to chat with Bec this March and to let her know if you’d like to join her in the pool for a special lap swimming session on 29 March at 9:00am. If you’d prefer to donate rather than getting your feet wet, please head online to Bec’s donation page. Every lap, every donation and every act of support helps more young people find hope when they need it most.

Donate to the cause at Bec’s page, or find out more: www.lapsforlife.com.au/fundraisers/rebeccagumm/laps-for-life-2026