27/12/05
Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich has declared the Gallop Government’s ‘Dollar a Day’ vacation swimming classes a huge success.
“Enrolments in the summer VacSwim classes have increased by almost 12 per cent on last year’s figure,” Ms Ravlich said during her visit to the classes at Cottesloe Beach this morning.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the Gallop Government’s $1.8million subsidy of the swimming classes has made it more affordable and more parents are seeing the benefits of their children learning to swim.
“Swimming is an important part of our way of life and children who can swim are safer at the beach, the river and around the backyard swimming pool. I think youngsters who can swim are also more likely to be fit, active and healthy.”
The Minister said while figures were still being finalised, almost 38,000 youngsters were taking part in the December to January ‘Dollar a Day’ classes at 341 centres across Western Australia.
“The same swimming classes also took place during the October school holidays and a record number of enrolments were received, with 9,236 youngsters taking part - that is 22 per cent more than in 2004,” Ms Ravlich said.
Parents can enrol their children for a ‘Dollar a Day’ plus pool entry, in either a 10-day or five-day program.
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.
“While classes have begun, it is not too late for parents to enrol their children in the summer swimming lessons,” Ms Ravlich said.
“The next round of classes begin on Monday, January 9. Parents can go to the centre of their choice between 11am and noon on January 8 to see if there are any vacancies. Unfortunately, due to the large number of pre-enrolments, not all centres are able to take late enrolments.”
Minister's Office - 9213 6800
