Queensland Government doubles funding for its SwimStart program

Hundreds of additional Queensland families are now eligible for $150 swimming lesson vouchers following the state government’s SwimStart program having been doubled courtesy of a $5 million injection.

The vouchers, for eligible children aged 0 to 4 years, are aimed at helping families experiencing cost-of-living pressures access swimming lessons.

The state government’s support for increased access to swimming lessons intends to improve water safety among children and reverse the state’s concerning drowning statistics.

According to the latest national drowning report, 61 people in Queensland drowned between July 2022 and June 2023, with 10% of those aged 0-4.

There is a limit of one voucher per child per financial year.

SwimStart vouchers can be redeemed with close to 180 registered activity providers across the state.

The additional $5 million more than doubles funding to the SwimStart program up to June 2025.

Students in primary schools will continue to receive swimming lessons as part of the Water Safety and Swimming Education program.

Swimming squad training and coaching with registered not-for-profit providers continues to be available through the Queensland Government’s FairPlay Program for eligible 5 to 17-year-olds.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles shared “every parent in Queensland knows just how important it is for our kids to know what to do around water from an early age.

“My kids have grown up around pools and Queensland beaches and it was so important to Kim and I that they felt confident in the water.

“We know households are feeling cost-of-living pressures, which is why we’re doubling the amount of SwimStart vouchers available to families with young children.”

Former Olympic gold medallist Brooke Hanson said every child should have the chance to learn lifesaving swimming skills to improve safety in, on and around water.

“As a mum, it was incredible to see my kids learning when they were six months old, being able to get to the side of the pool,” Hanson added.

“They weren’t able to crawl at that stage, but they were learning to swim, which is such a valuable skill they will take through life.”

“The SwimStart program provides many families with that same opportunity and it’s fantastic to see even more funding allocated to help Queensland kids in the water.”

For more information on SwimStart visit www.qld.gov.au/swimstart