The Andrews Labor Government is making sure more young people can make waves in the aquatics industry, with even more free opportunities in store for aspiring swim instructors.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced that applications for the Youth Aquatic Accreditation Programhave been extended until 31 May 2024. 16-year-olds are now also eligible to participate in the program and it will now also offer the opportunity to learn to teach people with a disability how to swim.

This program creates more jobs for young people and paves an important pathway to a rewarding career – boosting opportunities for students and supporting sector growth.

They also include up to $195 per teacher for renewal of Swimming and Water Safety Teacher licences, with the addition of up to $285 per teacher toward Participants with a Disability During Aquatic Activities courses.

These grants provide an important entry point for swim instructors to begin or continue their career in the aquatic sector, helping Victorians of all ages learn vital water safety skills and survival knowledge. The program is part of a wider range of Labor Government initiatives to ensure more Victorians get the chance to learn swimming basics.

Other initiatives include the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program and the Get Active Kids Voucher program which help to lower the barriers to participation and make swimming lessons more accessible to all Victorians.

The Government is also investing $55.2 million to support swim and water safety education programs in schools.

Aspiring young swim instructors can get involved by approaching participating aquatic centres that have received funding under the Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program.

For more information, including the list of successful recipients and links to videos visit sport.vic.gov.au