Tara Murray
A school holiday swimming program will continue for at least another two years.
Community Sport Minister Ros Spence visited Sunshine Leisure Centre on Monday to announce $800,000 in funding for the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program to continue for the next two years.
The state-wide program aims to reach every local government area (LGA) in Victoria to avoid any children missing out on lapsed water safety initiatives and has been made affordable due to state government funding.
The program is held over the first three weeks of January, with each week consisting of five consecutive 30-minute lessons from Monday to Friday.
A record 16,141 children took part in the program last summer at 167 venues across Victoria –
Tragically, 13 children under the age of 17 drowned in Australia last year, highlighting the importance of programs like this to teach kids water safety and skills.
Sunshine Leisure Centre facilities operations manager Arron Holman said the program was really popular amongst families in Brimbank.
“I am excited that the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program can be provided again in 2022 and 2023.”
Ms Spence said swimming and water sports are a way of life in Australia.
“There are still too many kids drowning – which is why our continued investment in VICSWIM is so important.
“We’re making it easier for families to access the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program no matter where they live or their circumstances – so more Victorian kids can learn to swim safely.”
