We believe everybody deserves access to swimming lessons regardless of their financial situation. As we head into summer, we want to know that we are helping as many people as possible, particularly children, to enjoy our pools, beaches, waterholes, rock pools, rivers – and any other place one might like to take a dip – safely.
That’s why we are encouraging families to be part of the VICSWIM Summer Kidz program, where we are providing free pool entry at participating venues for students and their families enrolled in the program.
The offer is part of a commitment between YMCA Victoria and Aquatics and Recreation Victoria to increase the number of children who have access to swimming lessons through the VICSWIM summer program.
The low-cost, five-day summer intensive is targeted at families who may otherwise be unable to afford to participate in other swimming programs. It provides the fundamentals of swimming and water safety for primary school-aged children and runs for three weeks during the summer holidays.
Liz Tesone, YMCA Victoria’s Aquatic Product Manager, said the Summer Kidz program met a community need and reducing the barriers to participation was an important driver for the organisation.
Tesone advised “we are proud of our reputation as leaders in swimming teaching and water safety, and we are passionate about making sure every Victorian child has the opportunity to learn how to swim.
For some families, the cost of the Summer Kidz program is a stretch, and the entry fee to the pool is something they just can’t afford.
If we can relieve the financial burden by giving the children and their parents free entry during the program, we are giving that child the opportunity to develop their water safety skills and confidence, and that’s one child whose risk of drowning has been reduced."
Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Chief Executive, Grant Connors said YMCA Victoria’s support of Summer Kidz was crucial to the long-term growth and reach of the program.
Connors stated "it is support like this from YMCA Victoria that enables us to attract and engage with as many young Victorians in the VICSWIM program as we can and this partnership assists us to achieve this.
"The VICSWIM program and YMCA Victoria represent decades of significant community contribution to Victoria's youth and we are delighted to be able to partner with them to continue that valued contribution. Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Chief Executive, Grant Connors
"I thank YMCA Victoria for their support of our VICSWIM program and for their commitment to the importance of swimming and water safety education."
Participating facilities:
• Boroondara Sports Complex• Casey Aquatic & Recreation Centre
• Cowes Primary Outdoor Pool
• Dandenong Oasis
• Doveton Pool in the Park
• Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre
• Kew Recreation Centre
• Knox Leisureworks
• Mansfield Recreation Centre & Pool
• Portland
• Thomastown
• Warragul Leisure Centre
• Whittlesea
• Wonthaggi Aquatic and Leisure Centre
• YMCA Somerville Health & Aquatic Centre
• Noble Park Aquatic Centre
• Foster Outdoor Pool
• Korumburra Outdoor Pool