The initiative – part of Learn2Swim Week – aims to encourage more children to learn the vital skills of how to swim and ultimately help reduce drowning statistics.

Statistics show drowning is the number one cause of accidental death in children under five.

Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre aquatics coordinator Tianna Hendy said the free lessons were an opportunity for residents to experience the centre.

“Children can come along, have a free lesson to get an insight to the centre and to see what’s on offer,” she said.

Miss Hendy said she was hopeful a large number of residents would take up the opportunity.

“We have had a really positive response since the announcement but welcome anyone else who is interested,” she said.

Miss Hendy has instructed swimming lessons for more than eight years and is passionate about children learning to swim.

“It is unnerving the amount of children who can’t swim. Swimming is a life skill children need to have,” she said.

Learn2Swim Week runs from October 2 to October 9.

Miss Hendy said residents could register by contacting the Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre.

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