Blacktown Council marks five years of its Aqua Learn to Swim program

Blacktown City Council has marked five years of its Aqua Learn to Swim program and its promotion by its mascot, Pip the Penguin.

Operating at five aquatic facilities across the Blacktown local government area, to celebrate the anniversary, students from the Aqua Learn to Swim program were invited to enter the Aqua colouring-in competition.

A winner was chosen from each facility the winners and their families invited along to Pip’s birthday celebration - complete with balloons, birthday cake and of course presents.

Commenting on the anniversary, Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale stated “since the program launched in October 2015 Aqua Learn to Swim has built a strong foundation of students which has grown every year.

“Students learn to be water safe and confident swimmers in a fun, educational and rewarding environment.

“2020 has been a tough year for everyone and while some things have had to be stopped or postponed, the importance of learning to swim has not changed.

“During the peak summer period before COVID, around 8,000 students enrolled in the program. Students have been returning since pools reopened and numbers are now getting back to previous levels.

“Council is grateful to the many parents out there who recognise swimming is not just about having fun, but it is a skill for life.

“What a wonderful milestone to be celebrating with our students and their families. Thank you to everyone in our Aqua Learn to Swim family.”

The five winners in the Aqua colouring-in competition:

• Blacktown Aquatic Centre - Jeremy Alphonse
• Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope - Aria Shah
• Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton - Danielle Panganiban
• Mount Druitt Swimming Centre - Rafin Fazal
• Riverstone Swimming Centre - Claire Gibson.

For further information go to www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Image: The winners of the colouring-in competition with Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale. Supplied.