NSW families saved more than $18 million on swimming lessons during the first year of the First Lap learn to swim voucher program, with the State Government reminding parents to take advantage of the second $100 voucher which became available on 1 July.
Premier Dominic Perrottet joined families at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre today and encouraged parents of children aged 3-6 years old to use the new voucher.
"NSW families were quick off the blocks, diving in to the First Lap Program and redeeming more than 180,000 vouchers for swimming lesson fees in the first year of the program, giving their children vital water safety and survival skills," Mr Perrottet said.
"As a father, I know how important swimming lessons are and how helpful the First Lap vouchers are for families.
"This program is one of more than 70 ways for households to save and boost their budgets. My message to families is simple - check to see if you're eligible for this voucher and redeem it. You'll save money and could save a life."
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said with summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time for families of pre-schoolers to download their learn to swim voucher.
"Taking your child to swimming lessons is one of the most rewarding moments in a parent's life and this voucher allows you to kickstart that journey," Mr Henskens.
"This program is helping families across NSW access swimming lessons to ensure more children are safe in the water this summer."
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said using the voucher is simple and can be done in a few clicks on your phone.
"Just like Active Kids, Creative Kids and the Dine and Discover NSW vouchers, families have embraced the First Lap program, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up," Mr Dominello said.
"Parents can redeem the voucher via the Service NSW app, by visiting the Service NSW website or calling 13 77 88.
"Swimming is part of our country's DNA and this program makes this critical life skill even more accessible for parents."
Royal Life Saving Society NSW CEO, Michael Illinsky said it was the right of every child to access a quality swimming and water safety education.
"Learning skills such as general swimming techniques and treading water, survival techniques and strategies, floating and rescue skills is vital for Australian children," Mr Illinsky said.
"The First Lap vouchers help provide many children with their first swimming and water safety experience which in turn leads to a lifetime of fun and enjoyment in, on and around water."
First Lap vouchers can be accessed from Service NSW and redeemed with registered First Lap providers. A list of First Lap providers is available on the Service NSW website. More information is available on the Service NSW website.
Top 10 local government areas for First Lap voucher redemptions
LGA |
Vouchers Redeemed |
Value Vouchers Redeemed |
Central Coast |
10,090 |
$1,008,621 |
Blacktown |
9,442 |
$940,240 |
Sutherland Shire |
7,491 |
$748,714 |
Northern Beaches |
7,191 |
$718,322 |
Lake Macquarie |
6,738 |
$672,776 |
Wollongong |
6,381 |
$634,317 |
Canterbury-Bankstown |
6,234 |
$623,185 |
Parramatta |
6,065 |
$604,060 |
Penrith |
5,688 |
$568,767 |
The Hills Shire |
5,612 |
$560,843 |
