Friday, 18 August 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with giving young Victorians in Gippsland the vital swim skills they need, providing $400,000 towards the 2018 VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region today encouraged families from Gippsland to consider registering their children for next year’s VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program.

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

Each year, VICSWIM takes a record number of enrolments. This summer, more than 10,400 kids took part in learn-to-swim activities at about 131 locations across Victoria.

For participating locations go to: http://vicswim.com.au/locations/

VICSWIM’s learn-to-swim programs go a long way to preventing Victorian children, especially toddlers, from drowning and ultimately helps save lives.

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

On average, four children aged 0-4 die from drowning every year in Victoria. The majority of these deaths occur around the home.

These not only include home pools, but bath tubs, water buckets and in the case of regional properties our dams, and ponds. And that is why programs like VICSWIM are so important.

Registrations will open in October with sessions during January. For information visit: Vicswim website
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“Every child deserves to learn how to swim – and these summer programs in Gippsland are a great place to start.”

“These classes fill up fast. I encourage families to get in quick and sign up their children at their nearest participating pool and open water venue.”