Victoria’s long running VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program has reached its 50th year, with organisers expecting more than 15,000 children to take part in learn to swim and water safety lessons across the state this month.
The milestone was marked at Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre, where Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence joined local MP Josh Bull and Aquatics and Recreation Victoria chief executive Kathy Parton to launch the anniversary year and the first round of lessons for 2026.
First established in 1976, VICSWIM was created to address gaps in swimming ability and water safety knowledge among children. Half a century on, it continues to target families who may otherwise struggle to afford lessons, offering a subsidised program during January at pools and beaches across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
This summer, lessons are being delivered at almost 150 locations. Children aged four to 12 take part in five 30 minute sessions over one week, covering basic swimming skills alongside water safety and survival awareness. The cost to families is $43, a price point the government says is designed to remove cost as a barrier to participation.
Ms Spence said swimming and water safety skills remain essential in a state where waterways and beaches are a regular part of family life. She described the program as a practical way to support families from a wide range of backgrounds while addressing ongoing concerns about drowning incidents, which tend to rise during warmer months.
Data from life saving and water safety organisations has shown that young children and inexperienced swimmers are among those most at risk. While no single program can address all factors behind drownings, initiatives like VICSWIM are widely viewed as an important early intervention, particularly when combined with supervision and broader public education.
The Victorian Government has committed $1.6 million over four years through the 2023 to 24 budget to continue supporting the program. That funding underwrites the subsidies and helps maintain delivery across a large and diverse network of venues.
Mr Bull said the program has become a familiar part of summer for families in areas like Sunbury, where demand for affordable lessons remains strong. He said confidence in the water can have a lasting impact on children, particularly in communities with limited access to private swim schools.
Aquatics and Recreation Victoria, which oversees the program, said VICSWIM has grown into a fixture of the Victorian summer calendar. Ms Parton noted that the program now operates across both pools and beaches, reflecting the range of environments where children are likely to encounter water.
She also pointed to the challenge of balancing accessibility with quality instruction, particularly during periods of high demand. Delivering lessons at scale requires trained instructors, suitable facilities and coordination with local operators, all of which can be stretched during peak holiday periods.
Some swimming advocates have argued that while short intensive programs are valuable, they work best when followed by ongoing lessons. Others have called for more targeted outreach to communities with historically lower participation rates. Program organisers say VICSWIM is designed as an entry point, giving children a foundation and encouraging families to continue lessons where possible.
As the program enters its 50th year, its supporters say its longevity reflects both community trust and a continued need. With thousands of children set to take part over January, the focus remains on keeping lessons affordable, accessible and relevant, while adapting to changing safety challenges around Victoria’s waterways.
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