VICSWIM Needs Saving

After 35 years, the respected and much loved VicSwim Summer Learn to Swim and Water Safety program, Vic Swim Summer Kidz, is in serious danger of not being available to the Victorian community this summer.
Unable to underwrite the cost of its delivery, the Board of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV), the non-profit organisation that conducts VicSwim, made the decision earlier this year to turn to the Victorian Government for financial assistance to ensure that all Victorians had the opportunity to continue to participate in this valued aquatic education and water safety program.
As ARV Chairman Andrew Hocking explains âthe Board has reluctantly taken the hard decision to cease operating this well known and respected summer holiday learn to swim and water safety program, unless sufficient and immediate financial support is available from Government.
ARVâs Chief Executive Ian Swan added âwith increases in drowning and knowing that participating in swimming lessons reduces this risk in small children by over 80%, it is very unfortunate that as a key element of the State Governmentâs Play it Safe by The Water campaign, a learn to swim and water safety program like VICSWIM Summer Kidz canât be financially supported by the State Government to alleviate the increased cost to parents.�?
ARV has welcomeed the Coalitionâs financial commitment to supporting the continued operation of the VICSWIM Summer Kidz program. This acknowledges the key role that the VICSWIM Summer Kidz learn-to-swim and water safety program plays in helping complete the missing piece of the drowning prevention plan.
For more Ian Swan can be contacted on 03 9271 3800.

http://www.vicswim.com.au