The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath has called on the Premier in State Parliament to allow children’s water safety and learn to swim programs to recommence.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions, indoor swimming pools are forced to remain closed, bringing vital lifesaving water safety and learn to swim programs for children to grinding to a halt.
Ms Bath said drowning remains one of the most common causes of accidental death in children.
“Learning to swim is an essential life skill and an important developmental milestone for all Victorian school aged children.
“Swimming classes must recommence with the commencement of school term 4 so ensure children are not left behind.”
Ms Bath said the Andrews Government’s policy is that every Grade 6 student should be able to swim 50 metres by the time they finish primary school.
“Yet Daniel Andrews roadmap has roadblocked the opening of indoor swimming pools throughout Victoria, leaving life saving water safety lessons on the backburner,” said Ms Bath.
“With summer just around the corner, swim school operators want the green light from the Andrews Government.
“There is no reason why swim schools cannot operate with COVIDsafe plans just like every other business.
“Daniel Andrews must allow swim schools to reopen so critical swimming lessons can recommence for children,” Ms Bath said.
