The NSW Nationals in the state government’s new learn to swim program will be expanded from preschool aged children to include kindergarten kids who missed out on lessons due to COVID restrictions.
Under the ‘First Lap’ program, eligible children from the Cootamundra region can access a $100 voucher for swimming lessons with an approved provider, with businesses able to register for it next month.
Nationals Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, welcomed the program to the region.
“Every child in our area should have the opportunity to learn how to be safe around water, especially with the wide range of waterways around,” Ms Cooke said.
“This program will help teach young children essential safety skills from one of our skilled swimming instructors in our region.”
The program, which starts on December 1, will be extended to cover children in kindergarten this year, or who are starting kindergarten in 2022, because these children have missed a crucial opportunity to develop the skills they need to stay safe in the water.
The NSW Nationals in the state government will invest $54 million in the program over two years, easing cost of living pressures for families.
The vouchers can be downloaded soon by families from Service NSW.
