Now tadpoles in Inverell and Ashford can access swimming lessons and upgraded rescue resources thanks to funding from the NSW Government’s Water Safety Fund Community Grants Program.

Northern Tablelands Member for Parliament Adam Marshall said more than $250,000 will fund swimming lessons in rural and remote areas.

The MP encouraged parents to involve their children in the programs to enhance their basic water safety skills while enjoying the warmer weather. 

 “It’s not just about swimming lessons – the children will also learn basic rescue and survival skills so it’ll give them a well-rounded experience to keep them safe this summer,” he said in a statement.

While, NSW Royal Life Saving Society chief executive Michael Ilinsky said the ‘Swim and Survive’ program would target children aged between 6-14 years to help them stay safe in the water. 

“I thank the NSW Government for throwing their weight behind this important initiative, and I’ve no doubt it will help save lives, now and into the future,” Mr Ilinsky said. 

“While there’s often a focus on our coastline, our inland waterways are just as treacherous so it’s important that these lessons are delivered at a young age,” Mr Marshall added.

“These lessons will help kids learn how to swim so that they can enjoy the water safely with skills that will stick with them for life.”

Mr Marshall said the Royal Life Saving Society had received a quarter of a million dollars from the NSW Government to deliver the ‘Swim and Survive’ course to almost 60 pools across the State. 

“I’m so proud of the support we’ve been able to provide Royal Life Saving so they can work with locally trained swimming instructors to deliver life-saving lessons for kids,” Mr Marshall said.

“I encourage parents to contact their local pool to find out lesson times and how to book a place.”