Kindy Kids Included in ‘First Lap’ Swim Program

Aussie kids need to learn to swim. It is as simple as that. We had 25 children between the ages of 0 and 4 years drown in 2020 to 2021. That is an increase of 108 per cent on the year before and 9 per cent on the 10-year average.

The NSW Government announced last week that its new learn to swim voucher program for preschool-aged children would be expanded to include kindy kids due to the fact that pools have been closed due to COVID restrictions and they have missed out on their usual lessons.

The First Lap voucher works similarly to the Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers in that they cover $100 for swimming lessons with an approved provider for children aged between 3 and 6 years. That includes children not yet at school and children who started kindergarten this year and those who will commence in 2022.

Minister for Sport, Natalie Ward, said the NSW Government would invest $54 million in the program over two years, which would in turn ease cost of living pressures for families.

“Summer in Australia is all about swimming, at your local pool, beach or river,” Ms Ward said.

“We know families have been doing it tough during the COVID lockdown and the First Lap program will also ensure family budgets aren’t stretched so our kids have these crucial skills.”

Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman said families could download the vouchers from Service NSW soon.

“We know the families have been doing it tough during the pandemic, and it’s really important they don’t miss out on swimming lessons,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“That’s why we’re making sure they can also access the First Lap voucher program now that our pools are back open for lessons.”

Businesses can register to be approved throughout November and families can apply for their First Lap vouchers through their Service NSW app from December 1, but they can express their interest now. More information is available at www.sport.nsw.gov.au/firstlap.

• Topics:

• Swimming