Wickepin residents frustrated over slashed enrolments for subsidised VacSwim swimming lessons

Wickepin parents are frustrated that their children are set to miss out on summer swimming lessons after enrolments were slashed for the local VacSwim program this year. Wickepin families have access to one week of subsidised swimming lessons at the pool over a week in December through the State Government’s VacSwim Country Early Start program. In 2021, 51 local students had enrolled in the one-off swimming lessons by October 31, when enrolments closed. VacSwim re-opened enrolments to allow for a further 30 students to enrol and hired two local swimming instructors and one Perth teacher to deliver lessons. Enrolments for this summer’s swimming lessons closed on October 30, by which time 46 students had registered, according to the Department of Education’s Martin Clery. Two swimming instructors have been employed, according to VacSwim. One Wickepin parent claimed the enrolments filled up before the deadline, and the community was not informed about the “limited” number of enrolments. Wickepin resident Lauren McColl said her youngest child had had just become eligible for the swimming program but missed out due to full enrolments. Her other two older children have participated in the Country Early Start program in previous years. “Every year they have about 80 kids from Wickepin, so to cut it off at 40, I think, is ridiculous,” Ms McColl said. “I’m on the P&C (Wickepin Primary School), so I asked all the parents from the school about how many of them missed out and there were over 20 just from the primary school. “We’ve found out it’s not just Wickepin, there are a few other small towns that have been cut off by VacSwim.” Ms McColl said she was disappointed because the Country Early Start program was the only subsidised swimming program available in Wickepin. Meanwhile, Narrogin has access to three swimming programs during the summer alongside metropolitan suburbs, she said. “There are very few programs we can apply for,” Ms McColl said. “Country Early Start is literally the only program we get out here for the whole year. “If they are only going to offer one program, they should at least cater to all of the children in the area.” Agricultural Region MLC Steve Martin, who hails from Wickepin, said it was important that country children had access to swimming programs. “VacSwim needs to have another look at this and reopen the process so every child who wants a spot can get one,” he said. “The program does great work teaching our children to be safe in the water and we should be encouraging everyone to take part, not cutting numbers and excluding children from this vital program.” Mr Martin said he would be advocating for change. “I will be urging the Minister and VacSwim organisers to reconsider this decision,” he said. “Locals tell me there are staff available given an opportunity, which would allow every child in the district a place in the program. “I have contacted Education Minister Sue Ellery and she is aware of staffing issues. I hope the minister and her department can find a solution for the children of Wickepin.” Mr Clery said the swimming programs were some of the strongest and most comprehensive in Australia. He said enrolments had not been limited, but staff shortages had impacted some VacSwim programs. “Swimming enrolments have not yet been capped at any venue, and all efforts continue to be made to offer as many swimming programs in as many locations as possible,” he said. “However, the availability of swimming instructors is being impacted across the nation by the same workforce challenges faced by a range of other businesses and industries. “Unfortunately, the shortage will impact on some of this summer’s VacSwim program in WA. “Student safety is our priority, and as such, it is essential that all VacSwim lessons are delivered by a qualified instructor.”