The NSW government has announced the learn to swim voucher program will be expanded to include kindergarten aged kids who missed out on swimming lessons due to COVID restrictions.

Local swim instructor Roslyn Lauritzen from Tamworth Learn To Swim said she was overjoyed to see the voucher become available to more children.

"Because a lot of children haven't been in the pool for almost two years they've gone backwards in their skills," she said.

"This goes a long way in improving this valuable life skill and also actively reducing the drowning statistics in young children."

READ ALSO:

From December 1 the program will provide eligible children with a $100 voucher for swimming lessons.

Ms Lauritzen said the vouchers would provide financial relief for families.

"The warm weather is here and the vouchers have come at a great time for children to be able to catch up on their swimming and water safety skills."

With children coming for lessons from rural farming properties as far as Armidale, Ms Lauritzen said regional kids had an increased exposure to potentially dangerous bodies of water.

"Many families in rural NSW spend their leisure time together camping, fishing and enjoying water activities at local dams and river areas," she said.

"A child can drown in two minutes in shallow water if they don't have those water safety skills."

Vouchers can be claimed through Services NSW.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: