A record 7,200 kids put on their swim gear to learn how to swim during January’s VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program, exceeding last year’s participation rate by 40 per cent.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty joined CEO of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Ian Swan at Ivanhoe Aquatic and Fitness Centre to celebrate the boost in participation numbers delivered by the learn-to-swim program funded with $1.6 million by the Victorian Government.
“It’s fantastic to see even more families throughout the State, especially those from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, take up the opportunity to teach their kids how to swim. It shows just how important this issue is in all our communities,” Mr Delahunty said.
The program is designed to teach water survival skills but also act as a chance for children to interact in a fun and educational way outside of school.
“Through the program, kids not only learn survival skills in and around water, but they also get the chance to make new friends, as well as boost their health by getting more active more often.”
The program has been available for four years and has helped bring swimming lessens to families that would not have been able to afford it.
“More than 12,000 children have so far participated in the program, which offers subsidized swimming lessons and significantly reduces the cost for participants in learn-to-swim classes,” Mr Delahunty said.
“We are extremely proud of this program because it not only goes a long way towards saving lives but ensures as many children as possible have fair and equitable access when it comes to learning how to swim in their local area,” Mr Delahunty said.