Launch for VICSWIM program’s 49th year

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Education Ben Carroll have today launched VICSWIM 2025, joining Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) Chief Executive Kathy Parton at the Werribee Outdoor Pool for the first day of the 49th edition of the program.

Providing affordable lessons for families through January at more than 170 swimming centres across Victoria, children aged four to 12 will take part in five 30-minute lessons, which run over the course of a week.

While a single swimming lesson can cost a family up to $25, the Victorian Government’s ongoing investment delivers five lessons for $35 per child - $7 a lesson - plus booking fees. If eligible, families can also use their Get Active Kids vouchers to reduce the lesson cost to zero.

Launching the program, Minister Carroll stated “more than 16,800 kids will take part - learning the skills they need to enjoy their summers safely.”

For the first time, there are 400 extra spots this year for children with disability and children from multicultural backgrounds.

Lessons for children with a disability will be provided through dedicated programs while children from CALD families have the option of signing up for lessons in locations including Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Sunshine, Werribee and Dandenong.

VICSWIM’s learn-to-swim program has helped generations of kids to feel confident in and around the water, from foundational swimming skills to water safety education.

Also speaking at the launch, Parton explained “ARV is pleased to offer the VICSWIM program for its 49th year. VICSWIM has become a key part of the social fabric of Victoria's summer.

“At a time of increased drownings, VICSWIM offers a low cost Learn to Swim/water safety education program for children aged four to 12 years, in pools, rivers, lakes and beaches.”

The Victorian Government has invested more than $917,000 in the program to make sure more kids get their chance to learn water-safety basics.

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Images: Today's VICSWIM launch at the Werribee Outdoor Pool (top, from left: Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, ARV Chief Executive Kathy Parton and Victorian Minister for Education Ben Carroll) and children participate in the 2023 VICSWIM program (below). Credit: ARV.