“Knowing that we are literally right there, [Koa’s] been able to dive and swim and he just loves it,” explains Hannah’s House registered nurse Shana.

Perth primary school student Koa was born at just 26 weeks and, with underdeveloped lungs, needs an oxygen tank to help him breathe most of the time.

The 6-year-old can attend school with constant nursing support, as well as an education assistant (EA), but when it came time for in-term swimming lessons, there were concerns over whether he could be included.

Overcoming fears

“His mum [Madison] was at the start very worried because she was like, ‘Well, I worry when he’s in the bath’,” recalls Shana.

As well as underdeveloped lungs, Koa has difficulty swallowing and is tube fed.

This health complication also means aspiration – the accidental entry of water into the airway or lungs – is a risk.

His blood sugar level also needs to be regularly monitored.

“With all of his conditions, he can deteriorate very quickly and, as helpful as it is to have an EA with him, they’re not trained to see those early warning signs,” states Shana.

“As soon as I see those early warning signs, it’s a matter of quickly testing his blood sugar, testing his [oxygen saturation level], making sure that his oxygen is good for him, if it’s not then turning it up.

“If his sugars have dropped, it’s to get him a little feed.”

When Koa’s blood sugar drops, he can start having seizures.

“I’ve managed to stop him from having seizures just by getting on it that quickly so that he doesn’t have to end up going to hospital and end up staying there for weeks,” Shana explains.

Breaking down barriers

Despite the concerns, with the support of Hannah’s House’s State Government-funded nurses, Koa’s school, the local pool and swimming instructors, the Year 1 student – who was never expected to walk – has once again defied the odds.

“When we did swimming lessons in pre-primary he wouldn’t even get in the water; it was pretty much just pouring water on my head the whole year!” recalls Shana.

“This year, he’s been able to put his head under water, been able to dive – his favorite thing is getting things off the floor [of the pool].”

Having successfully passed the first swimming stage alongside some of his classmates, water activities are now part of summer school holiday plans for Koa’s family.

Powering health, friendship & joy

It’s not just swimming lessons that daily in-school nursing care has paved the way for.

It also means Koa doesn’t miss out on other opportunities for joy with his peers.

“We’ve been able to help him with a lot of things [that are held] outside of school, like going to…the adventure park or going to like a multi-purpose hall, just doing fun things like that,” says Shana.

“It’s also taken the pressure off the school to not have to worry about him.”

Then there’s the crucial peace of mind it provides for Koa’s family.

“From talking to Koa’s mum, it’s just taken so much of her shoulders knowing that her kid can go to school and that she doesn’t have to worry about him throughout the day,” shares Shana.

“It also means that he can keep up with people his age. He’s made so many friends in this class and so it’s so nice to be able to see…just how much he’s grown being able to come to school every day.

“He’s very much a full part of this community.”