Applications for the Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program have been extended until 31 May 2024 with 16-year-olds now also eligible to participate in the program. It will now also offer the opportunity to learn to teach people with a disability how to swim.

This program creates more jobs for young people and paves an important pathway to a rewarding career – boosting opportunities for students and supporting sector growth.

They also include up to $195 per teacher for renewal of Swimming and Water Safety Teacher licences, with the addition of up to $285 per teacher toward Participants with a Disability During Aquatic Activities courses.

These grants provide an important entry point for swim instructors to begin or continue their career in the aquatic sector, helping Victorians of all ages learn vital water safety skills and survival knowledge. The program is part of a wider range of Victorian Government initiatives to ensure more Victorians get the chance to learn swimming basics.

Other initiatives include the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program and the Get Active Kids Voucher program which help to lower the barriers to participation and make swimming lessons more accessible to all Victorians.

The Government is also investing $55.2 million to support swim and water safety education programs in schools.

Aspiring young swim instructors can get involved by approaching participating aquatic centres that have received funding under the Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program.

Geelong Leisurelink swim instructor Madison Evans is just one of more than 860 across the state who have benefited from the program so far.

'It’s really rewarding to see how the children improve and look back and think you taught them those things,' Madison said.

To find out more about Madison's career journey visit The Victorian Connection

For more information, including the list of successful recipients and links to videos visit Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program