SWIMMING classes across the Central and Far West are at capacity, leading to calls for more classes to be created for children and adults across the region.
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The classes which are mostly fully booked contradict the latest data released by Royal Life Saving and the Aquatic Recreation and Swim School industry that shows a 25 per cent fall in swimming lesson enrolments.
Royal Life Saving CEO, Justin Scarr, said that the fall in swimming lesson enrolments was so dramatic they were concerned that COVID-19 may create a generation of non-swimmers.
"Parents should be reminded that learning to swim is not only a partial vaccine against drowning, it boosts a lifelong love of swimming for fun, health and fitness," he said.
"If a seven, eight or nine-year-old child can't yet swim 50m and tread water for two minutes, then they should be in swimming and water safety lessons.
Cost can be a barrier, and we encourage parents to investigate State Government sport vouchers, planning ahead to enrol in the subsidised holiday programs, and asking grandparents to gift lessons for birthdays or Christmas."
Duboo's Aquatic Leisure Centre, along with Bathurst's Manning Aquatic Centre and Orange Aquatic Centre, have experienced the opposite of what Royal Life Saving's figures report and instead have been swamped with demand for lessons.
The Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre is already booked out for their 10 day intensive 'Learn to Swim' program, however a spokeperson said they are looking to try and accommodate the increase in demand.
"Due to COVID restrictions and other changes we are fully booked but we are investigating at ways to help people," he said.
"Families are currently welcome to enrol in our upcoming Term 1 classes starting in February.
"It's important that people not only learn how to swim, but swim safely and also learn vital techniques like CPR."
In Bathurst, Aquatics Coordinator for the Manning Centre, Amie Christie-Johnston, said that they couldn't put on enough classes to keep up with demand.
"Having to allow for COVID restrictions has caused some issues but we are just a lot busier than last year," she said.
Orange Aquatic Centre has called for new teachers such is their increase in demand for lessons.
Orange City Council's Sport and Recreation Committee Chair, Jason Hamling, said that Learn 2 Swim class enrolments had reached capacity for a range of levels, with the centre now seeking expressions of interest from parents who might be interested in becoming teachers.
"Please pop in and have a chat to the staff at the centre if you think this might be something you'd be interested in," he said.
"Parents make the best teachers and I personally want to see every child in Orange learn to swim and have the opportunity to attend classes."
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