SWIMMING –
The NSW Government’s new learn to swim voucher program will be expanded from preschool-aged children to include kindergarten kids who missed out on lessons due to COVID restrictions.
Under the First Lap program, eligible children can access a $100 voucher for swimming lessons with an approved provider, with businesses able to register in November.
NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, said the program, which starts on December 1, would be extended to cover children in kindergarten this year, or who are starting kindergarten in 2022.
“Because of COVID restrictions, our kindy kids have missed a crucial window of being able to develop the skills they need to stay safe in the water.
“It is really important they don’t miss out, so we’re making sure they can also access the First Lap voucher program now that our pools are back open for lessons,” Perrottet said.
Minister for Sport, Natalie Ward, said the NSW Government would invest $54M over two years in the program.
“Summer in Australia is all about swimming, at your local pool, beach or river.
“The First Lap program will also ensure family budgets aren’t stretched so our kids have these crucial skills,” Ward said.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service, Victor Dominello, said the program was one of more than 70 NSW Government savings helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for households, including the Active Kids and Creative Kids programs.
Families can apply for the First Lap vouchers from December 1, through Service NSW.
Source:
Media release, Oct 25
NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet