Minister backs VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program launch

The Victorian Government is calling on families to make the most subsidised swimming lessons for children that will be made available across the state this summer.

VICSWIM’s learn-to-swim summer program is a Victorian institution, having been held since 1976 and in that time helping generations of youngsters to acquire vital skills and water-safety knowledge that save lives.

Almost 14,000 children took part in the program at 170 locations in January this year, an increase of 30% on the previous year. Venues included local pools as well as open waterways such as Port Phillip Bay.

The Victorian Government has provided $1.2 million to run the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program from 2019 to 2021, with the program incorporates lessons in swimming basics as well as water safety instruction for children aged four and above.

The subsidised cost is $30 for five 30-minute lessons over the course of a week.

With record enrolments last year, demand for VICSWIM places is expected to be strong so families should act to secure a place in one of three program weeks in January.

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today joined Olympic swimmer Belinda Hocking and Life Saving Victoria Chief Executive Nigel Taylor at Sandridge Life Saving Club, Port Melbourne, to open registrations for the 2020 VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program.

Speaking at the launch Minister Pakula stated “all families, no matter where they live or their circumstances, should have ready access to learn-to-swim classes for their children and we encourage parents and guardians to enrol their kids for VICSWIM this summer.”

Taylor added “as we head into the peak summer season, there’s never been a better time to teach Victorian children and families the importance of learning to swim, and VICSWIM does just that.”

For more information on the 2020 VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program go to www.vicswim.com.au

Image shows Olympian Belinda Hocking; Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula and Life Saving Victoria Chief Executive Nigel Taylor at today's launch of the VICSWIM’s Summer Kidz program.