WATER SAFETY: Maddie Simpkins demonstrates lifesaving skills with Zoe Harris. Picture: JODIE DONNELLAN
LIFE-LONG SKILLS: Maddie Simpkins, Zoe Harris, Kyle Simpkins, Abigail Harris, Taine Lang and Jasmine and Rylee Gallagher take part in the VICSWIM swimming lessons. Picture: JODIE DONNELLAN
THE VICSWIM Summer Kidz program is proving popular among parents and their children in the Bendigo region, with 2013 enrolment numbers exceeding last year’s.
Bendigo East Swimming Pool continued its partnership with YMCA Bendigo, taking in 195 enrolments in the program this year, 86 more than 2012.
Swimming centres in Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Harcourt, Wedderburn, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill, Maldon, Marong and Castlemaine took part in the program for the first time, all recording interest.
VICSWIM teacher Jack Timmins said learning to swim was a lifelong skill.
“It is vitally important,” he said.
“So many kids don’t know how to swim, whether it be in a pool or at the beach.
“It is crucial they get in early and develop these skills, which prove useful for life.”
Mr Timmins said children and parents had responded positively to the program.
“The kids are fantastic, they learn competitive strokes as well as water safety skills and how to remain safe around water,” he said. “Parents have said the program is very worthwhile and the feedback has been extremely positive.”
Bendigo mother Carla Lang re-enrolled her children Tully, six, and Taine, nine, into the program.
“The kids did it last year and really enjoyed it,” she said.
“They loved the consistency of swimming for one whole week.”
Ms Lang said water safety should be the number one priority for parents and their children, especially in Australia.
“It is really important that kids know how to act safely but also know how to have fun around water,” she said.
“The teachers are great and so is the program.
“It is extremely cost-friendly.”
The program costs $25 per child and includes five 40-minute lessons spread across a week.
Enrolments for week three of the program close tomorrow.
Parents wishing to enrol their children should call 9271 3800 or visit www.vicswim.com.au/enrol