LIWA Aquatics is excited to endorse the Cook Labor Government's recent announcement of free VacSwim lessons for WA children. With a $5.5 million investment aimed at enhancing school swimming lessons and water safety, this initiative is expected to save families hundreds of dollars while encouraging more children to learn vital swimming skills. For aquatic facility operators and industry professionals, this development presents a range of opportunities as the sector prepares for increased participation. 

Starting in December 2024, VacSwim lessons and pool entry will be entirely free for students enrolled in the program during the December and January school holidays. The program, which has been a cornerstone of WA’s water safety education for over a century, spans 5 to 10 days and is available at pools and beaches across the state. This summer, the initiative is expected to provide significant relief for families, saving up to $214 for a family with two children attending a 10-day program. 

Additionally, the program extends to smaller non-government schools with lower Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) scores, offering free in-term lessons from 2025 to 2028. This inclusivity ensures that students from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds gain access to essential water safety skills, further solidifying the program's role in community health and safety. 

Aquatic centres across WA will likely see an increase in new faces participating in the program as one of the key elements of this initiative is to attract new people to take advantage of free VacSwim lessons. This influx of visitors presents an opportunity for facilities to increase engagement, promote their amenities, and attract long-term patrons. Many families may choose to explore additional programs or swimming lessons once they have experienced VacSwim, creating a pathway to sustained growth in membership.

The Cook Government’s investment in free VacSwim lessons aligns with broader cost-of-living measures, including free public transport for school students and increased financial support through the KidSport voucher program. As such, aquatic centres may find themselves becoming hubs for community support, offering not just swimming lessons but also other family-friendly activities and services. The enhanced community focus could help boost participation in non-swimming programs such as fitness classes or recreational activities, further embedding these facilities into the daily lives of local residents. 

By making VacSwim lessons free, the Cook Government is addressing a critical need in water safety education. Western Australia’s coastal lifestyle means that swimming is not just a recreational activity but a vital life skill. The WA aquatic industry plays an essential role in ensuring that children and young people are equipped with the skills they need to stay safe around water. 

For those working in the industry, this initiative underscores the importance of your role in the community. The success of VacSwim and its broader impact on water safety depends on the dedication of aquatic professionals who deliver high-quality instruction and maintain the facilities that support these vital programs. 

The introduction of free VacSwim lessons this summer represents a significant moment for the WA aquatic industry. As families benefit from the cost savings and children gain crucial water safety skills, aquatic facilities can become central to their communities. The challenge now is ensuring that facilities are prepared, fully staffed, and ready to support the program’s success. 

You can learn more about the initiative below.