- Published:
- Monday 5 January 2026 at 11:30 am
The Allan Labor Government has given even more families access to affordable learn to swim classes, as the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program celebrates 50 years this month.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today joined Member for Sunbury Josh Bull along with Kathy Parton CEO of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria at Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre to launch the program’s 50th year celebrations and the first swim lessons of 2026.
Since 1976, VICSWIM’s learn-to-swim program has helped generations of young people learn the skills, water-safety and survival knowledge that is so vital in saving lives.
For families on a budget, the program also provides accessible and affordable swimming and water safety lessons across Victoria.
This month more than 15,000 children will take part at almost 150 locations throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The program includes lessons to develop foundational swimming skills as well as water safety education for children aged four to 12 years.
Five 30-minute lessons are provided over the course of a week in January for a subsidised cost of just $43 – helping more families afford swimming lessons for their kids.
It’s part of wide-ranging efforts to stem the tide of drownings seen in recent summers, and to ensure even more kids get their chance to learn water-safety basics at lessons that are more affordable for families.
The Victorian Budget 2023-24 invested $1.6 million over 4 years to continue the government's support of this popular program.
For more information about the Program and to book, visit vicswim.com.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“The importance of water safety knowledge and swimming skills cannot be overstated, that’s why these learn to swim lessons are so important.”
“For 50 years this program has ensured that young people and families from all backgrounds are prepared and can feel confident in and out of the water, helping to save lives.”
Quote attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull
“This program has helped generations of local kids build confidence in the water and it’s great to see families in Sunbury continuing to benefit from this affordable and life-saving program.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of Aquatics Recreation Victoria Kathy Parton
“ARV is pleased to offer the VICSWIM program in its 50th year.”
“VICSWIM has become a key part of the social fabric of Victoria's summer. At a time of increased drownings, VICSWIM offers a low cost Learn to Swim/water safety education program for children aged 4 to 12 years, in pools and beaches across Victoria.”