KidSport voucher initiative doubles and adds swimming lessons for 2021

The Western Australian Government is doubling its KidSport voucher initiative for 2021 having added Swim Schools as a new club category in December 2020.

The KidSport voucher initiative for 2021 sees eligible families able to access two $150 KidSport vouchers to help pay sport club fees and swimming lessons.

KidSport vouchers can now be used at approved swim schools, including those endorsed by recognised State Sporting Associations such as Royal Life Saving WA. Royal Life Saving has 140 Endorsed Swim Schools throughout WA that meet best practice for swimming lessons and will be automatically eligible for the KidSport program.

Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray says the change was made in consultation with Royal Life Saving as part of the Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and notes "the impact of COVID-19 on the community has meant that many kids and families may have missed out on in-school swimming lessons this year – and KidSwim will ensure they are able to rebuild swimming skills as quickly as possible.

Royal Life Saving WA has been advocating for these changes as part of their efforts to prevent drowning in Western Australian communities and Royal Life Saving WA Chief Executive, Peter Leaversuch welcomed the change, saying it's a vitally important step forward in ensuring no child in WA misses out on learning to swim.

Since 2011 almost 215,000 vouchers equating to $31 million has gone directly to clubs throughout Western Australia.

The new additional voucher will be accessible from 1st July, 2021, enabling parents and guardians to support children to access club sport and swimming lessons all year round.

Already in the first weeks of 2021, the KidSport program has helped more than 1,600 children to access club sport with a $150 voucher.

KidSport is run by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, with the help of 50 local governments.

Minister Murray adds "Sport plays such a vital role in helping kids and families to connect with community and should be part of every child's life regardless of their circumstances, ability or where they come from.

"I would encourage all eligible families to make the most of the two annual KidSport vouchers in 2021 and make sure they are signed up to a summer sport to utilise the year's first voucher."

Applications are open all year round.

Details on how to apply can be found at dlgsc.wa.gov.au/kidsport

Image courtesy of Royal Life Saving WA