YMCA Victoria backs VICSWIM with free family access for Summer Kidz
YMCA Victoria is encouraging families across the state to dive into the VICSWIM Summer Kidz program, with 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 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.
“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,” Ms Tesone said.
Grant Connors, CEO at Aquatics and Recreation Victoria said YMCA Victoria’s support of Summer Kidz was crucial to the long-term growth and reach of the program.
“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 partnerships 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.
“I thank YMCA Victoria for their support of our VICSWIM program and for their commitment to the importance of swimming and water safety education.”
