23 November 2023

With summer holidays fast approaching, the Allan Labor Government is making sure more young Victorians understand water safety by extending the statewide swimming program for another two years.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today joined Member for Niddrie Ben Carroll at the Keilor East Leisure Centre to announce an investment of $800,000 to continue the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program.

The program continues to receive support from the Labor Government to prevent drownings and ensure all Victorian kids get the chance to learn water-safety basics.

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 29 November. For more information, visit vicswim.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence

“Summer in Victoria means fun by the water – and 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.”

Quote attributable to Member for Niddrie Ben Carroll

“We’re proud to continue supporting the much-loved VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program – giving kids the confidence and safety awareness they need for a lifetime of fun by our beaches, rivers, lakes and swimming pools.”

Quote attributable to Aquatics and Recreation Victoria CEO Kathy Parton

“VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program is available to all Victorian children aged four to 12 years. Our amazing swim teachers will operate in local venues across the state to enable all participants to increase water safety knowledge and swimming skills.”