COOMA Public School (CPS) students can participate in swimming lessons free this term, thanks to a joint effort in covering the costs.

Snowy Hydro, the CPS Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association and funds from the school’s isolation allowance have covered in equal parts the $30,000 required for students to participate in swimming lessons.

“We recognised the importance of learning to swim and with cost of living pressures so high at the moment, we wanted to make sure students were able to participate by covering the cost and allowing them to do it for free,” CPS P&C vice president, Alicia Bolton, said.

“The school swimming program is all inclusive regardless of age and ability, so it is a really important opportunity available to the students.”

Snowy Hydro Relations Manager, Dean Lynch, said the program fits in with Snowy Hydro’s values around safety.

“When we realised without this funding, some kids just wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn how to swim, we knew we had to jump on board,” Mr Lynch said.

“This is the kind of thing that our grants program is here for, providing value for the community.”

CPS principal, Karen Butchers, said there are many more students participating this year because of the fees being covered.

“A lot of our parents are actually quite fearful of the water, so to offer this for their children through school, and free, is so valuable.

“With an increase in the number of school-aged children drownings last year, anything we can do to help save lives is so important.”

Snowy Hydro is currently evaluating Round 2 of its Community Grants applications, with successful applicants to be notified later this month.