Affordable swimming safety

The state announced the return of an affordable swimming lesson program that will run throughout this month. (Unsplash).

The state government has announced the return of an affordable swimming lesson program that will run throughout this month, with classes offered at several swimming centres across Melbourne.

With an opening at Melton Waves on Monday, January 6, the VICSWIM Learn to Swim program will provide five 30-minute lessons to participating children aged four to 12, with a choice between three weeks this month.

The lessons will be offered at 170 swimming centres throughout Victoria, including locations in the west such as Keilor East Leisure Centre, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, Melton Waves Leisure Centre, Sunshine Leisure Centre, Werribee Outdoor Pool, Whittlesea Swim Centre, and Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre.

The cost for five lessons will be $35 per child plus booking fees, and if eligible, families can use Get Active Kids vouchers to reduce the lesson cost to zero.

In this year’s program, there are 400 extra spots for children with disability and from multicultural backgrounds, with the same skills provided by specialised teachers.

Lessons for kids with disability will be offered through dedicated programs and children from culturally and linguistically diverse families can attend lessons in Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Sunshine, Werribee, Dandenong and more.

Premier Jacinta Allan said that the program is designed to provide cost-of-living support to families, so that children of “all backgrounds can learn how to stay safe at the beach or around the pool.”

Aquatics and Recreation Victoria chief executive Kathy Parton said that the association was proud to offer the program for its 49th year.

Details: vicswim.com.au