SUMMER swimming lessons are back across the south-west, with the government funded VICSWIM program now in full swing.

The annual three-week program runs until January 19, with lessons at Monivae College in Hamilton, and in Coleraine, Hawkesdale, Portland, Harrow and Warrnambool, able to be booked on the VICSWIM website at vicswim.com.au

VICSWIM south-west regional coordinator, Brendan Gay, encouraged parents to get their kids in the water.

“The kids absolutely love it, we try to make the program as fun as possible, learning skills, games and water safety,” he said.

“It is only $35 per child per week. It is chicken feed for what you are getting.”

The program is for children aged 4-12 and caters for swimmers of any strength.

“It is a government funded program for all kids to have a crack at,” Mr Gay said.

The last few years the crew has struggled to find teachers but has a full house this year, meaning full service.

“It’s really just a fun atmosphere for the kids, it’s a great incentive for the kids during the school holidays,” Mr Gay said.

They also run VICSWIM at McGennans Beach in Warrnambool, and this year swimming instructions are happening in the Glenelg River at Harrow for the first time.

Once a staple for young people in the district, swimming lessons out of the pool have been recognised as a priority by VICSWIM’s organising body, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV).

ARV chief executive, Kathy Parton, told The Spectator water safety for swimming in nature was important.

She said drownings were especially common in rivers, lakes and beaches, so they run the program in those environments so children know how to stay safe.

“People do things like not having the kids wearing the bathers, but wearing their clothes. If they fall in clothed they know how to handle themselves in those circumstances,” Ms Parton said.

The program itself has run since 1976, and Mr Gay has been a long-term part of the program in the south-west.

“It is a multi-generational program because we have got parents, children and teachers who are the children of parents, children and teachers,” Ms Parton said.

“Brendan (Gay) has been operating for many years as a regional coordinator so it’s fantastic to have someone like him who is very familiar with the local environment and can help promote the program.”