Swimming Lake on New Year’s Eve. Picture: J.L. “FRED” SMITH
THE VacSwim program will definitely go ahead at the Millicent Swimming Lake this week despite the axing of the lead swimming instructor.
There was community uproar on social media after The South Eastern Times revealed the annual learn to swim lessons would be cancelled.
According to instructor in charge Marcia Hobbs, Royal Life Saving South Australia advised her late on Friday night the program would not be delivered at the Millicent Swimming Lake.
“I got notice it was going to be cancelled because they could not afford to pay transport and accommodation,” Ms Hobbs said.
“Transport was arranged last year as I live in Mount Gambier, but that is not something they are willing to do this year.”
However, Royal Life Saving South Australia chief executive Jayne Minear denied Ms Hobbs’ claim.
Ms Minear said the lessons would go ahead but a decision was made to let Ms Hobbs go late last week.
She said the last-minute decision was “necessary”, but did not elaborate further.
Ms Minear said the lessons would be delivered by an Adelaide-based instructor, who has operated VacSwim programs in the region before.
She said accommodation, transport and food costs would be borne by the program.
“We are very grateful to have found an instructor who has been involved in the Naracoorte VacSwim program two years ago,” Ms Minear said.
“There have been some lovely people come out and say they would do whatever they could to help.
“Instructors and instructor in charge must have Austswim/teaching accreditation and first aid.”
Last year, a lack of instructors for the popular learn to swim threatened the Millicent program.
No applications for the five positions were received.
While the lake is owned and managed by council, the local VacSwim swimming lessons are arranged by Royal Life Saving South Australia.
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll said council “have always and will continue to support VacSwim”.
“Swimming education for our young people is extremely important,” he said.
“I invite parents with children to get involved with the VacSwim program.
“Thank you to Surf Life Saving of South Australia for their continued support towards our communities across Wattle Range.”
The iconic program, which sees thousands of South Austrlalian children take to beach and pool locations across the state, aims to reduce child-related drownings and drowning related incidents.
With January considered the peak time for drowning deaths and incidents in Australia, the program empowers children and families with vital knowledge at the beginning of the holiday season
when they are most likely to be engaging in aquatic recreational activity.
Participants learn how to keep themselves and their friends safe and what to do if they find themselves in trouble.
“Through hell or high water, Millicent was always going to go ahead.” On Sunday night, Ms Minear posted an urgent notice on social media calling for VacSwim instructors for Millicent.
“Looking for instructor in charge, instructors and assistant instructors,” the post said.
The program is scheduled to start on Wednesday morning.
