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The Victorian Government has announced that applications for the Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program have been extended until 31st May 2024 with 16-year-olds now also eligible to participate in the program. The program now also offers the opportunity to learn to teach people with a disability how to swim.

The Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program aims to create more jobs for young people and pave an important pathway to a rewarding career – boosting opportunities for students and supporting sector growth.

Aspiring young swim instructors can get involved by approaching participating aquatic centres that have received funding under the Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program.

Aquatics Recreation Victoria Chief Executive Kathy Parton notes “This program is a great launch pad to the creation of long-term career opportunities for young people with the passion to influence individual and community health and wellbeing for Victorians.”

Geelong Leisurelink swim instructor Madison Evans shared “It’s really rewarding to see how the children improve and look back and think you taught them those things.”

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence notes “I encourage all aspiring swim instructors to be quick off the blocks, help us save more lives, and take advantage of all the career possibilities that the Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program opens up.”

Victorian Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman adds “We’re delighted with the success of the Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program announced as part of Victoria’s Youth Strategy, it is turning the tide so even more Victorians can take the splash into new careers like this.”

The Victorian Government grants also include up to $195 per teacher for renewal of Swimming and Water Safety Teacher licences, with the addition of up to $285 per teacher toward Participants with a Disability During Aquatic Activities courses.

These grants provide an important entry point for swim instructors to begin or continue their career in the aquatic sector, helping Victorians of all ages learn vital water safety skills and survival knowledge. The program is part of a wider range of State Government initiatives to ensure more Victorians get the chance to learn swimming basics.

Other initiatives include the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program and the Get Active Kids Voucher program which help to lower the barriers to participation and make swimming lessons more accessible to all Victorians.

The Government is also investing $55.2 million to support swim and water safety education programs in schools.

For more information, including the list of successful recipients and links to videos visit sport.vic.gov.au 

Image. Credit: Leisurelink 

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