Better access to swimming lessons

A vital new lifesaving program aimed at directly teaching Queensland children to improve their swimming skills has been given the full backing of Royal Life Saving Queensland (RLSQ).

RLSQ Executive Director, Paul Barry said SwimStart will help provide much greater access to swimming lessons for children aged 0 to 4.

“Eligible families are going to be able to apply for vouchers valued at up to $150,” Mr Barry said.

“Overall, it is a huge $4.8 million investment over a twoyear period from the State Government.

“What we know clearly is right now, there are children at risk.

“Some children simply don’t have the swimming skills that we want to see them have.”

Mr Barry said the pandemic caused a raft of issues when it came to getting children to swimming lessons.

“In a State like Queensland, where there are so many opportunities to interact with water environments, it is critical children have the strongest swimming skills possible,” he said.

“We have been working with a range of industry partners and peak bodies seeking to enhance the swimming and survival skills of Queensland schoolchildren.

“Vouchers were a key part of the discussions at the SouthEast Queensland Water Safety Forum.”

Mr Barry said Royal Life Saving has been concerned that more and more families were finding it difficult to afford lessons.

“Lowering barriers to access vital swimming and water safety education will save lives and help children to develop lifelong skills.

“Teaching children to swim and survive is the single most important investment families can make to reduce drowning.”