Swimming instructor shortage survey

“It’s difficult for kids to get swimming lessons in our small towns,” Mrs Dalton said.

“This is because we have a chronic shortage of swim instructors.

“We even saw the cancellation of water safety ‘Swim Vac’ courses this summer due to a lack of qualified instructors.’’

According to RLS, drowning is no less common in inland areas.

Of the 76 drownings recorded this summer, 46 per cent occurred in landlocked locations and townships.

Swimming lesson enrolments have plummeted across the country in the last two years, which RLSSA CEO Justin Scarr said is largely due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.

‘‘The fall in swimming lesson enrolments is so dramatic that Royal Life Saving is concerned COVID-19 may create a generation of non-swimmers, who will never be safe around water,’’ Mr Scarr said.

‘‘Parents should be reminded that learning to swim is not only a partial vaccine against drowning, it boosts a lifelong love of swimming for fun, health and fitness.’’

Mrs Dalton said she reached out to Royal Life Saving Society NSW to address the lack of swim instructor courses in the region.

“They informed me that a big problem is often swim instructor courses are only available in big regional centres, like Wagga,” she said.

“It’s difficult from people in towns like Griffith, Deniliquin and Moama to have to travel to Wagga and pay for both the course and accommodation.’’

In response, Mrs Dalton’s office has created a survey, which will investigate the extent of the issue.

‘‘To date, we have had a strong response to the survey,” Mrs Dalton said.

“Most respondents are in favour of courses being closer to home, and have asked for funding support to undertake the course.

“We will inform the Minister of Sport of the results of this survey and work with the Royal Life Saving Society to push for more funding.

“In the meantime, I’d urge anyone interested in this topic to fill out our survey.”

To access the survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YQMMDYG.