VACSWIM lessons return to lake

BACK IN THE WATER: Vacswim lessons will resume at the Millicent Swimming Lake next month. Over the past 49 years, Cooper Todd, Asha Baker, Kianna Thwaites and Rylee Kenny have been among the thousands of youngsters who have learned swimming strokes and water safety at the lake.

VACSWIM lessons will be staged at the Millicent Swimming Lake next month after Royal Lifesaving South Australia secured enough instructors to conduct traditional learn-to-swim activities.

In a statement provided to The South Eastern Times, RLSA said the program was previously cancelled due to a lack of interest from qualified staff.

“We endeavour to run programs throughout South Australia and work very hard to manage a number of different locations, however when staff do not apply, a program cannot run,” a RLSA spokesperson said.

“We are happy to say staff are now travelling to the location to ensure the Millicent community, in particular the children, do not miss out on this vital aquatic education.

“In future we hope to see more locals prepared to work towards their qualifications to assist their community.”

RLSA chief instructor Maurice Phillips said the number of enrolments was growing since news of the reinstatement became known late last week.

Mr Phillips said he was aware of “fourth-hand rumours” about the various reasons for instructors not initially seeking to teach at Millicent.

However, he would not comment publicly about them but said they were either incorrect or exaggerated.

Enrolments for the swimming lake program are accepted online via the RLSA website and close at noon tomorrow.