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More Victorian kids will learn how to swim as the Andrews Labor Government boosts the number of the swimming instructors for the upcoming summer.

The Labor Government is backing VICSWIM to create 150 new jobs with $200,000 to help train and upskill swimming teachers where they are needed most.

The workforce will be ready for the start of VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program in January so that VICSWIM can continue to educate Victorians on swim safety in both pools and open water.

Instructors will work right across the state and those wanting to get involved will achieve Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety qualifications enabling them to help kids aged 4 to 13-years learn how to swim and be safe in the water.

The program will deliver grants of up to $325 towards courses for new teachers of Swimming and Water Safety, up to $285 towards courses for new teachers of Infant and Preschool Aquatics, and up to $195 toward the renewal of teacher of Swimming and Water Safety qualifications.

It’s estimated more than 4,000 kids missed out on swimming lessons over the past two years and 17 people tragically lost their lives due to drowning last summer in Victoria – that’s why the Government is ensuring even more Victorians get their chance to learn about water safety.

For more information about this and other program opportunities visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.

As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence

“Swimming is a part of life for all Victorians and it’s so important kids learn how to be safe in and around the water, so that’s why we’re backing VICSWIM with more teachers to do this vital work.”

“This will ensure kids right across the state have access to swim safety knowledge and I encourage all aspiring swim instructors to get involved and help save lives.”

As stated by CEO of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Kathy Parton

“The Victorian aquatics workforce is ready to grow and looks forward to welcoming the new entrants to the industry that this program will support.”