Media Statement
Attention: News Editor / Chief of Staff
December 24, 2009
Water safety keeps kids cool this summer
Learning essential water safety skills will be the holiday activity of choice for over 50 000 Western
Australian children this summer as they take part in the Department of Education’s VacSwim program.
Department of Education’s Manager of Swimming and Water Safety Les Lazarakis said the classes
would provide Western Australian children with essential water safety and survival skills.
“Statistics provided by the Royal Life Saving Society of WA indicate that each year at least one child
aged between six and 14 drowns in Western Australia,” said Mr Lazarakis.
“The festive season can be a particularly dangerous time because families often celebrate near water
and adults can be distracted.
“More and more Western Australian parents are recognising that learning to swim and stay safe in the
water at an early age can save lives and this season the program is expected to be more popular than
ever.
“The summer holidays are the perfect time to enrol children in swimming and safety lessons to keep
them active and entertained while providing them with invaluable skills they will have for the rest of their
lives.
“This season will be the 91st year the program has operated, having grown from its beginnings in 1919
when five instructors taught 248 children at just three venues.”
Nearly 44,000 children have already signed up for the swimming lessons, which run between October
and January at over 200 locations.
There is still time for parents to enrol their child if they are five years or over on the first day of classes.
Limited late enrolments may be available and can be made at each centre on the day before each
series of lessons begin.
Parents are encouraged to check the VacSwim website for details.
A discount pass for families with three or more children cuts the cost of classes to less than a dollar a
day, reducing the 10-day program to $27.50 and the five-day program to $14.00 for all children, plus
pool entry.
For information on classes and how to enrol, including late enrolments, see the VacSwim website:
(ENDS)
Media contact:
-
2
-
Department of Education Media – 9264 5821
Police Media – 9222 1217
NEWS 
