With summer holidays fast approaching, more young Victorians, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, will be able to understand water safety through the extended statewide swimming program.
Community Sport Minister Ros Spence joined Niddrie MP Ben Carroll at the Keilor East Leisure Centre on November 23, to announce the extension of the program for another two years.
The investment will include $800,000 to continue the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program, which will prevent drownings and ensure all Victorian kids get the chance to learn water-safety basics.
Ms Spence said summer in Victoria means fun by the water.
“This cost-saving program ensures kids from all backgrounds across our state get their chance to learn the water safety skills needed to have fun in and around the water.
“The importance of water safety knowledge and swimming skills cannot be overestimated – we encourage all families to sign up their kids and take advantage of the week-long program.”
Last summer, a record 17,000 Victorian kids took part in the program across 190 locations across the state –including more than 140 locations across regional Victoria.
The program includes lessons to develop foundation swimming skills and water safety education for children aged four to 12.
The lessons are subsidised and priced at $35 for five 30-minute lessons over one week in the summer holidays.
Registrations for the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program open on November 29.
Details: visit vicswim.com.au