Since 1976, VICSWIM’s learn-to-swim programs have gone a long way to preventing Victorian children from drowning and helping to save lives.

Almost 14,000 children took part in the program at 170 locations in January this year, an increase of 30 per cent on the previous year. Venues included local pools as well as open waterways such as Port Phillip Bay.

The program provides Victorian families with low-cost swimming lessons to help children learn swimming and water safety skills. It delivers an affordable five-day program costing $30 during the January school holidays.

The activities are also a great way for children to embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle, make friends and have fun.

Over the last year there was 56 drownings in Victoria up 40 per cent on the previous year. Five children died and even more adults drowned in Victoria trying to save children in difficulty in waterways.

That is why programs like VICSWIM are so important.

The Victorian Government provided $1.2 million to support Aquatics and Recreation Victoria to run the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program from 2019 to 2021.

With record number of enrolments, it’s important for families to get in quick. To register or to find out more for VICSWIM visit www.vicswim.com.au.