The Minns Labor Government today announced 15 learn to swim providers had been appointed to deliver its new State-wide learn to swim program.
Under the new program, those most at-risk of drowning will be able to access as many as 10 lessons completely free of charge to ensure they develop basic swimming and anti-drowning skills.
The providers will deliver free learn to swim and water safety lessons to all major at-risk demographics including people from low socioeconomic groups, multicultural communities, First Nations people and people in regional areas.
Recent drowning statistics have shown that the previous approach was not working, it showed that people born overseas and those living in the most disadvantaged areas of NSW are at the highest risk of drowning.
The providers will commence delivery of the learn to swim programs in the coming months. NSW residents can find their local program by visiting: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/learn-to-swim-program
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper:
"Being able to swim at your local pool, beach or river is one of the best things about living in NSW.
"The NSW Government is supporting communities at the highest risk of drowning by funding the delivery of free learn to swim and water safety lessons by learn to swim providers at swimming pools across NSW.
"Critically, it will mean more NSW residents can swim safely next summer and provide cost-of-living relief at a time when those groups need it most.
"This was reinforced by the results of the National Drowning Report 2024 that found multicultural communities, disadvantaged communities and people living in regional areas had higher rates of drowning than other parts of the community.
"The learn to swim and water safety programs delivered by the providers announced today will provide our most at risk members of the community with vital swimming and water safety skills."
Lord Mayor of City of Parramatta Councillor Martin Zaiter said:
"Learning to swim is an important life skill, and here at Parramatta Aquatic Centre, we have the best facilities to bring people together and teach them how to swim.
"Since opening in 2023, Parramatta Aquatic Centre has had over a million people through the turnstiles, with about 13,000 people on average visiting each week this summer.
"We have local residents from 128 nationalities who speak 117 languages, so it's vital that we support people of all ages and backgrounds to learn to swim.
"This investment by the NSW Government will help us deliver these essential Learn to Swim classes. This funding will not only save lives but help build community and lifelong skills."
Chief Executive Officer Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (NSW, ACT, Tasmania) Michael Ilinsky said:
"Royal Life Saving NSW welcomes this critical investment in water safety education. Taking high-quality programs directly to communities in need will have a lasting impact.
"After a challenging summer, this initiative ensures that more individuals-especially those at risk-gain vital water safety skills for life.
"Learning to swim is a life skill. This government funding will provide many with their first aquatic experience, preparing them for a lifetime of safe aquatic participation.
"Royal Life Saving NSW applauds this activation, which prioritises access to quality water safety programs in the communities that need them most.
"This initiative will break down barriers, ensuring participants, regardless of background, have the opportunity to learn vital swimming and water safety skills."
