With summer in full swing, residents from Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay may find themselves heading into the water more often.
While Australia is a water loving nation, this isn’t without its risks, and the Victorian drowning rates have increased over recent years.
This is why every summer since 1976, Aquatics Recreation Victoria (ARV) has delivered it’s VICSWIM program.
VICSWIM is a statewide swimming program that runs during the first three weeks of January, with the goal to teach children water safety and swimming skills in an affordable and accessible way.
ARV chief executive Kathy Parton said the program is available to all Victorian children aged 4 to 12 years old.
“Our amazing swim teachers are ready to welcome you and your children to a location near you,” Ms Parton said.
“We want to ensure children across Victoria have the opportunity to [access] this program.”
The 2024 VICSWIM program kicked off on January 2, with more than 1200 classes hitting the water.
By the end of the program, VICSWIM teachers will have delivered programs to more than 16,000 kids at 171 venues in the farthest reaches of the state.
Venues range from Warrnambool in the west, to Mildura and Swan Hill in the north, right through to Lakes Entrance in the East and a wealth of venues in the city and inner suburbs.
The VICSWIM program allows parents to book their kids into one, two or three weeks of lessons, for just $35 per week (additional venue fees may apply).
Kids aged 4 to 12 years old can attend and parents can book a program based on their current swimming skill level.
ARV is encouraging Victorian families to enroll in VICSWIM’s final week of lessons, commencing on Monday, January 15.
There are still VICSWIM lessons available at venues across the state, including Inverloch, Wycheproof, Korumburra, Healesville, Horsham, Yarram, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Cowes, Swan Hill, Whittlesea, Warragul, Rosebud, Sunshine and so many more.
