- Minister for Education
More Victorian students are getting the vital water safety and swimming skills they need, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Education James Merlino today announced more than 26,000 Victorian Water Safety Certificates were awarded to students across Victoria in 2019. This is more than four times the number of certificates issued in 2018.
New figures also reveal more than 98 per cent of Victorian government schools offered swimming and water safety programs in 2019, up from 97 per cent in 2018.
In 2019, the Labor Government announced the introduction of swimming coordinators across the state to support schools to offer swimming programs. This includes supporting schools and learn-to-swim providers to award the Certificates to students who demonstrate the required swimming competencies.
The Labor Government has also invested $19 million for school swimming lessons, and an additional $4 million for Life Saving Victoria to help schools develop high-quality, cost-effective programs, in the last three Victorian Budgets.
Swimming was added to the curriculum in November 2016 with students to achieve equivalent of the swimming and water safety skills outlined by the Victorian Water Safety Certificate, which includes being able to swim 50 metres continuously, before leaving primary school.
As noted by Minister for Education James Merlino
“We are leading the nation when it comes to delivering swimming in schools and these latest figures show our increased investment is paying off.”
“Not only are more schools offering swimming programs, but thousands more kids are getting Victorian Water Safety Certificates to show their competency in swimming.”
“Swimming is a skill that saves lives, and that is why we want Victorian children know how to swim and stay safe in the water before they finish primary school.”
As noted by Life Saving Victoria CEO Dr Nigel Taylor
“Providing children with swimming capabilities and water safety knowledge is a high priority for Life Saving Victoria. Accessing the school system to enable this activity ensures all Victorian students will have the opportunity to acquire these skills for life.”
“Life Saving Victoria is pleased with the increase in certificates awarded, highlighting the commitment from schools and the aquatic industry to facilitate safer Victorian communities.”
