KINDERGARTEN kids are now included in the NSW Government’s new learn to swim voucher program as it expands from preschool-aged children to include kindergarten kids who missed out on lessons due to COVID restrictions.

Under the First Lap program, eligible children can access a $100 voucher for swimming lessons with an approved provider, with businesses able to register for it from next month (November).

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Coffs Harbour Council’s Team Leader for Pools, Richard Leslie, said the pools team welcome the extension of the First Lap program to those older children at kindy age who may have missed lessons with Covid restrictions.

“Any incentive to get more young children in the water learning the important life skill of swimming is great news!

“This program will really help overcome any unaffordability issues around enrolment and compliment the school aged active kids vouchers already on offer.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the program, which starts on December 1, would be extended to cover children in kindergarten this year, or who are starting kindergarten in 2022.

“Because of COVID restrictions, our kindy kids have missed a crucial window of being able to develop the skills they need to stay safe in the water,” Mr Perrottet said.

“It’s really important they don’t miss out, so we’re making sure they can also access the First Lap voucher program now that our pools are back open for lessons.”

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said, “Summer in Australia is all about swimming, at your local pool, beach or river.”

The $100 will help towards giving our kids these crucial skills, she said.

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the program was one of more than 70 NSW Government savings helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for households, including the Active Kids and Creative Kids programs.

Active Kids vouchers can be used by school-enrolled children, including those in kindergarten, for sport and recreation activities such as swimming lessons.

Families can apply for the First Lap vouchers from 1 December, through Service NSW.

By Andrea FERRARI