Queensland primary school students to get free swimming lessons

The Queensland Government has announced that all Queensland primary school students will receive free water safety lessons from next year.

The Queensland Government this week announced an annual commitment of $3.68 million to increase and expand in-school swimming programs for children, particularly in remote areas.

Introducing the funding, Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace stated “this additional funding will mean all state schools with primary students will be funded to provide water safety and/or learn to swim programs”, adding “swimming and water sports are an integral part of Queensland life, and we want to ensure our children are safe.”

Under the plan, students at all state primary schools will now have a water safety and/or learn to swim program from 2019, which will comply with national standards set by the Australian Water Safety Council.

Principals in remote locations will be given funding to fly in external providers including lifesavers for intensive programs.

Teachers will also be upskilled so that water safety lessons can be taught in classrooms as well as pools.

The program will be audited on an ongoing basis to see where improvements need to be made.