November 17th, 2021Teaching kids to swim

The state government is helping the next wave of Victorian kids learn to swim and have fun safely at the beach and in the pool this summer.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has visited Sunshine Leisure Centre to announce $800,000 in funding to run the popular VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program for another two years.

The learn-to-swim summer program has been running since 1976, helping generations of young Victorians aged between four and 12 learn life-saving skills, swimming basics, water safety and survival knowledge. The program provides families with five low-cost, 30-minute lessons across a week.
A record 16,141 children took part in the program last summer at 167 venues across Victoria – including 123 regional venues – coordinated by Aquatics and Recreation Victoria. The program will support 300 casual workers to deliver three weeks of water safety and skill development in January.
Tragically, 13 children under the age of 17 drowned in Australia last year, which highlights the importance of programs like the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program to teach kids water safety and skills.
The state government is investing $55.2 million to support swim and water safety education programs in government, Catholic and special schools, and will also introduce them in government English language schools.
For more information and to enrol in VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program 2022 classes, visit vicswim.com.au.