Member for Tweed Geoff Provest MP has today welcomed funding for swimming lessons for NSW residents.
The $6 million program will deliver up to 10 free learn-to-swim and water-safety lessons and is designed to support those most at risk of drowning, focusing on people from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, multicultural communities, First Nations people and people in regional areas.
“Being able to swim at your local pool, beach, or river is one of the great joys of living in NSW—something many of us often take for granted,” Mr Provest said.
“Unfortunately, 357 people lost their lives to drowning over the past 12 months, a 27% increase on the 10-year average.”
“This funding will enable more than 25,000 lessons to be delivered through the program, and I’m delighted to share that The Village Gym in Pottsville has been selected to provide free learn-to-swim and water-safety lessons.”
This is an important step toward reducing the tragic number of drownings.