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Following two years of COVID-19 lockdowns and with the arrival warmer weather, numbers at the Benalla Aquatic Centre’s swimming programs and aquatic activities have steadily increased with increased demand and program attendance.

Benalla Aquatic Centre Manager Ben Duncan said, “that as we emerged from the lockdowns, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of children taking part in swimming lessons”.

“In March 2020, we had 251 students enrolled in the YMCA swimming program at Benalla Aquatic Centre, Ben said. We set a goal to reach 600 enrolments, and we are now so close to hitting that target, with 595 current enrolments.

To accommodate the growing demand, we’ve expanded the number of lessons we offer. Council has supported extending opening hours at the centre to enable additional classes and benefit more local families wanting to join our swim program.

The YMCA Swimming Lesson Program at the Benalla Aquatic Centre did not just focus on traditional swimming strokes, but also water safety and personal survival techniques.

“We offer safe, fun and educational lessons for all ages, starting with babies from six months old, through to school aged kids. We also offer classes for adults who want to learn to swim or better their technique,” Ben said.

“Swimming lessons are an essential part of any child’s development, and they are also a great way to keep your children healthy and active throughout the year.”

For more than 50 years, VICSWIM has provided Victorians with fun, educational aquatic holiday program. The program is a low cost four-to-five-day intensive summer program teaching swimming and water safety to children from four years of age and will again be running at the Benalla Aquatic Centre. Registrations are open, and enrolments can be made by visiting vicswim.com.au.

“As the weather warms up, we urge people to always stay safe and be vigilant around water. Whether it be in a pool, river or beach, always swim in a patrolled area,” Ben said.