Gallery | VICSWIM still making a splash after 50 years

The sun was shining for Aquatics and Recreation Victoria chief executive Kathy Parton as she visited the Violet Town pool on Friday, January 16.

She made the visit to commemorate five decades of the program, see what the children get up to and celebrate Robbie’s 36 years as one of its longest serving regional co-ordinators.

Robbie said it was nice to be recognised, but the joy of seeing the children achieving was what had kept her poolside.

“I still get goosebumps when I see them gliding through the water,” she said.

“I know I’ve had some form of contribution towards that.”

The program focuses on foundational swimming skills and water safety for children between four and 12 years old.

More than 15,000 children will participate in five 30-minute lessons at almost 150 locations throughout the state over a week in January.

Ms Parton said the affordable and accessible “intensive water safety education” fast tracks students’ skill development because they’re getting in the water five days in a row.

It’s part of efforts to reduce drownings seen in recent summers, and to ensure more children get a chance to learn water-safety basics.

“Unfortunately in Victoria the drowning rate has increased over recent years,” Ms Parton said.

“That’s why this program is more important than it ever has been.”

To keep the program affordable, the Victorian Budget 2023-24 provided $1.6 million over four years, ensuring the cost remained subsidised for families at $43 per week.