From Wednesday 1 December 2021, the NSW Government has released First Lap vouchers for every child aged 3 – 6 years old to assist with swimming lessons.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, young kids have missed vital water safety education during their pre-school years, the First Lap voucher program aims to make water safety education more accessible for NSW families, providing $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of children aged 3-6 years who are not enrolled in school.

The voucher can only be used for swimming lessons, which must be:

• part of a structured and supervised program;

• given by a swimming teacher;

• in a swimming pool; and

• a program of at least 5 lessons.

The first voucher will be available on 1 December 2021, expiring on 30 June 2022. The next voucher will be available on 1 July 2022, expiring on 30 June 2023.

Royal Life Saving NSW has compiled the key steps for parents and providers to ensure every voucher can be fulfilled for a program ahead and to help spread the word to all NSW families and facilities.

Guide for parents

1. Log in or create an account with ServiceNSW (account must be verified with one form of ID) and apply for the voucher/s using a valid Medicare card with details of the eligible child to complete the transaction and claim the voucher.

2. Vouchers will be displayed in your MyServiceNSW account on your First Lap dashboard.

3. Find your local provider here (available from 1 December) and quote the voucher number or QR code with the eligible child's name.

Guide for providers

1. All applications for registration as a First Lap provider must be assessed and approved by the Office of Sport before accepting any vouchers.

2. To register as a provider with the First Lap program, you must deliver a structured and supervised learn to swim program over a minimum of 5 sessions.

3. Read more on Provider Guidelines and Provider Terms and Conditions.

4. To register – log onto https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/ and apply for “First Lap.” Your Registration Approval will be confirmed via email.

All FAQs and information can be found on the Office of Sport First Lap website.