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Coalition Throws Lifeline To Swim Program

THE Liberal Nationals Coalition will boost funding to save the VICSWIM Summer Kidz learn-to-swim holiday program which is run at many aquatic centres in East Gippsland, Nationals Eastern Region MP Peter

By Peter Hall - 6th October 2010 - Back to News

Hall said today.

"Coalition Leader Ted Baillieu has announced a $1.6 million commitment over four years as part of a new era in prioritising learning to swim for Victorian children," Mr Hall said.

Under Labor the long-standing VICSWIM holiday program has slumped to its lowest participation rate since it started in the mid 1970s, down to just 4,200 in 2008/2009 after peaking at around 20,000 in the 1980s.

"The Brumby Government has all but abandoned the program, instead leaving the responsible body – Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) – to chase corporate sponsors for support," Mr Hall said.

"Without government support VICSWIM’s summer program will fold."

Mr Hall said it was irresponsible of the State Government to turn its back on an established, recognised and respected drowning prevention program.

"Learning to swim is one of the most valuable life-skills we can provide for our children and with summer fast approaching it is a real concern that this program may not be available for the children of East Gippsland, as it has been in the past," Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall said the VICSWIM program provided children with basic skills and confidence across a variety of aquatic conditions and activities.

He said the Coalition would not only boost funding to the VICSWIM Summer Kidz program, but also revamp the funding model and subsidise costs to families.

"We plan to overhaul the way this program is funded by subsidising the cost so that participants will pay just $5 a day – down from the current charge of $11," he said.

"Affordability means accessibility for families, and it’s our priority to make it easier for mums and dads to familiarise children with safety around pools, beaches, dams, creeks and rivers.

"If we want to reduce tragic and unnecessary drowning deaths we have to invest in aquatic-based learning for children, which VICSWIM has been providing for more than 30 years."

Media Contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066 or 0427 747 066.

Media Note: Listed below are the locations where the VICSWIM Summer Kidz learn-to-swim holiday program runs in East Gippsland.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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