WA Government announces pool entry pilot program enabling kids to end summer with a splash
As cost-of-living pressure rises alongside the summer temperatures, the Cook Government is introducing a free pool entry pilot program across the Gascoyne, Midwest, Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions for eligible children and young people, with 500 kids set to benefit from the program.
The pool entry pilot program will enable eligible children and young people to access their local swimming pool with a free seasonal pass in the Shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Coorow, Morawa, Merredin, Moora, Northam, Narrogin, Quairading, Gnowangerup, Katanning, Jerramungup, Kojonup, and Plantagenet, as well as the City of Albany.
Fifteen local government authorities across the four regions will participate in the pilot project, ensuring every eligible child or young person will have access to a pool near them to cool off for free.
Hon. David Templeman, Minister for Culture and the Art; Sport and Recreation; International Education and Heritage said, "All children and young people should have the opportunity to swim, especially across the summer months, but cost-of-living pressure can mean pool entry costs prohibit families from cooling off at the local pool.''
"The regions being targeted experience high temperatures, which means this pilot will provide a good snapshot of community interest and uptake, and overall, the trial will identify any potential implementation issues for the local governments.''
The State Government’s pilot program is both needed and welcomed by Royal Life Saving WA with swimming pool being a central part of community wellbeing particularly in regional WA as they are often the only place to keep cool over summer.
This program will provide children with the opportunity to be physically active on a regular basis and to safety explore the water under the watchful eye of a lifeguard.
Children can also learn to swim and join in fun sports such as swimming, lifesaving, water polo, diving and artistic swimming as we always want to ensure no one missing out on vital swimming skills and water safety education.
The benefits don't stop there with parents of young children able to learn about the importance of supervision and staying within arm's reach at all times when in and around the water.
Youth can also undergo training for their Bronze Medallion which can help them develop skills necessary for employment as well as saving one's life.
Additionally, the program is consistent with the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030, making a difference for regional children who are overrepresented in drowning statistics.
To learn more about the program, follow the link below.
