Department of Education to undertake review into cancellation of VacSwim lessons at two Great Southern beaches

The Department of Education has announced it will undertake an independent review into the cancellation of VacSwim lessons at two Great Southern beaches. In May, the department made the decision to cease VacSwim swimming lessons at Cosy Corner and Cape Riche beaches, as well as Starvation Bay near Jerdacuttup. The Department of Education said the decision to cease the swimming programs was made “due to the multiple risks associated with students learning to swim in unpatrolled open waters”, including having limited access to emergency services and limited phone reception. Beach swimming lessons are also run by VacSwim at Bremer Bay, Cheynes Beach, Emu Point, Middleton Beach, Greens Pool and Peaceful Bay. The announcement that the lessons would be cancelled drew impassioned responses from local parents whose children usually enrol in lessons at Cosy Corner and Cape Riche. A spokesperson for Education Minister Tony Buti said the minister had been in discussion with the Department of Education following the cancellation of the lessons. “The department will now undertake an independent review of all three cancelled open water VacSwim classes,” the spokesperson said. “The review will involve community consultation and provide options that ensure students will receive swimming and water safety lessons. “It is critically important to the Department of Education that students across WA are taught to swim and learn about water safety.”