Aquatics industry to celebrate 40 years of VICSWIM

Victoria’s largest community based learn to swim and water safety program, VICSWIM, will be celebrating its 40th​ birthday with a celebratory event at the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (MAC) on Thursday 21st​ January.

With special special guests to include Victorian Minister for Sport John Eren, Maribyrnong Mayor Cameron McDonald, and Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) Chair Andrew Hocking, guests will be able to observe MAC’s VICSWIM program in action, in which close to 200 children are enrolled. 

Since its creation in 1976, VICSWIM has taught swimming and water safety skills to almost 700,000 Victorian children.

With a growing population, more and more Australians seeking water­based recreational activity every year in private pools, public pools, commercial pools, beaches and inland waterways, the need for programs like VICSWIM, being designed for vulnerable groups, such as families at disadvantage and CALD communities, is as critical as ever.

A VICSWIM registration consists of a block of five 40 minute lessons with a qualified swim instructor and merchandise for $30. VICSWIM introduces and retains many new families into host leisure centres, pools and beaches. In 2016, VICSWIM enrolments are approaching 10,000 for the first time in many years, and over 450 swim teacher are employed providing lessons at over 125 venues all across Victoria.

Commenting on VICSWIM’s legacy ARV Chief Executive Anthony McIntosh explains “our industry can be very proud of VICSWIM’s contribution to the Victorian community over the past 40 years.

“Many lives have been saved and lives improved through the provision of affordable swimming lessons to kids during the holidays. “Many of us in the industry had our first swimming lessons with VICSWIM.

"The Victorian aquatic recreation industry are invited to celebrate with us, along with those that have had a role in the delivery of VICSWIM currently and in the past.”

ARV administers VICSWIM with generous assistance from the Victorian Government.

The VICSWIM 40th birthday event is being held on Thursday 21st​ January, from 10.15am to 11.30am at the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, (1 Aquatic Drive, Maribyrnong). 

Please RSVP by attendance by close of business on Tuesday 19th​ January to Vicki McNally of ARY on Email: vmcnally@aquaticsandrecreation.org.au 

Image: Young swimmers at the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre.

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14th May 2015 - ARV EVENT TO SHOWCASE THE BEST OF VICTORIA’S AQUATIC AND RECREATION SECTOR

4th November 2013 - PARENTS VALUE SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY LESSONS ABOVE OTHER OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

1st June 2010 - CROWN PALLADIUM HOSTS AQUATIC AND RECREATION AWARDS