Tony and Gena Been with their daughters Winona,5,and Daisy,2,at the children’s pool at Bondi Beach.Credit: Kate Geraghty
The money would come as welcome financial relief for Bondi parents Tony and Gena Been,who think swimming lessons are non-negotiable extra curricular activities.
“It’s something we need to invest in,” Mr Been said. “[My children] went to swimming lessons today but the cost does add up and it’s challenging.”
It’s also been welcomed by the Royal Lifesaving Australia NSW chief executive Michael Ilinsky who is concerned that only 35 per cent of kids between the ages of three and six participate in formal swim classes.
He hopes the vouchers will enable children from more disadvantaged backgrounds to have swimming lessons for the first time,and in turn save lives.
“For refugee and migrant families that just don’t understand what it means to be water safe,this is potentially the first time we’ll be able to engage with these groups,” Mr Ilinsky said.
You can read more about the voucher schemehere.