Victoria sees boom in swimming certificate numbers

There has been a substantial rise in the number of swimming certificates issued in Victoria following the State Government’s investment of $19 million for school swimming lessons and an additional $4 million for Life Saving Victoria to help schools develop high-quality, cost-effective programs.

More Victorian students are now getting the vital water safety and swimming skills they need, with Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino today announcing more than 26,000 Victorian Water Safety Certificates were awarded to students across Victoria in 2019. This is more than four times the number of certificates issued in 2018.

New figures also reveal more than 98% of Victorian government schools offered swimming and water safety programs in 2019, up from 97% in 2018.

Life Saving Victoria Chief Executive Dr Nigel Taylor advised “providing children with swimming capabilities and water safety knowledge is a high priority for Life Saving Victoria. Accessing the school system to enable this activity ensures all Victorian students will have the opportunity to acquire these skills for life.

“Life Saving Victoria is pleased with the increase in certificates awarded, highlighting the commitment from schools and the aquatic industry to facilitate safer Victorian communities.”

In 2019, the State Government announced the introduction of swimming coordinators across the state to support schools to offer swimming programs. This includes supporting schools and learn-to-swim providers to award the Certificates to students who demonstrate the required swimming competencies.

Swimming was added to the curriculum in November 2016 with students to achieve equivalent of the swimming and water safety skills outlined by the Victorian Water Safety Certificate, which includes being able to swim 50 metres continuously, before leaving primary school.

Minister Merlino added “we are leading the nation when it comes to delivering swimming in schools and these latest figures show our increased investment is paying off.

 “Not only are more schools offering swimming programs, but thousands more kids are getting Victorian Water Safety Certificates to show their competency in swimming.

“Swimming is a skill that saves lives, and that is why we want Victorian children to know how to swim and stay safe in the water before they finish primary school.”

Image courtesy of Life Saving Victoria