Liberals vow to subsidise Surf Life Saving SA program for young children’s swimming course
A LIBERAL Government would subsidise $50 of the $90 cost of a Surf Life Saving SA program designed for young children to develop swimming skills.
TERESA Little hopes her son Mason, 3, will grow up to be a lifesaver.
Together they have been taking part in a Surf Life Saving SA program aimed at building the confidence of parents and youngsters to play safely in the ocean.
“It’s a lot fun. He loves the beach,” says Hove mum Mrs Little, 37.
“It’s getting him comfortable with the water.”
The Opposition has announced that a Liberal Government would subsidise $50 of the $90 cost of SLSA’s Surf Babies program for children aged up to 2, and the Little Lifesavers for 3 to 5-year-olds. Both are run over six weeks.
Sport and recreation spokesman Corey Wingard said getting thousands of children involved would help prevent “swimming tragedies”.
“School principals have told us the amount of school time devoted to swimming lessons is
not enough to produce competent swimmers,” he said.
“The reality is that for many families, water safety education is not accessible due to the cost.
“Providing families with a $50 subsidy will encourage the participation of thousands of
children in beach safety education before they start primary school.”
Mr Wingard estimated the subsidy would cost “a couple of hundred thousand dollars” a year, but there would be no cap on it.
SLSA said about 100 children went missing temporarily on SA beaches each year, so teaching parents to supervise young children closely was a key message. Basic first aid for parents, sun safety, and playing and floating in the ocean are also covered.
About 160 children are already taking part in the programs at four surf clubs. SLSA wants to expand them to other clubs.