The Views of Swim School Providers on Impacts of a Population-Level Swimming Lesson Voucher Program.

The majority of swim school providers reported increased enrolment since the commencement of the First Lap voucher program.

• 63% of providers reported increased enrolment (95% CI 53%-72%)
• 69% observed more new enrolments (95% CI 60%-78%)
• Sample consisted of 100 swim schools responding to an anonymous survey
• A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative frequency analysis and thematic analysis of open-ended responses

More than half of swim school providers reported boosted income since the program commenced.

• 58% of providers noted boosted income (95% CI 48%-67%)
• Increased enrolments led to additional classes for 57% of providers (95% CI 47%-67%)
• 59% reported increased teaching staff hours (95% CI 49%-68%)

Increased pool space usage and non-teaching staff hours were reported by approximately one-third of providers.

• 36% of providers noted increased pool space usage (95% CI 27%-46%)
• 36% reported increased non-teaching staff hours (95% CI 26%-45%)
• These figures were notably lower than the proportions reporting increased teaching staff hours (59%) and additional classes (57%)

Thematic analysis of open-ended responses identified key operational impacts on swim schools from the voucher program.

• Key themes included promotional opportunities, student retention, and increased administration
• Family-level effects included improved affordability and earlier enrolment of children
• Qualitative responses complemented quantitative findings by detailing the nature of industry challenges in staffing and resourcing

The First Lap voucher program was implemented in NSW amid cost-of-living pressures and COVID-19-related disparities in swimming lesson access.

• The program subsidises swimming lessons for young children
• Cost-of-living pressures and inequities in access to swimming lessons provided the policy context for the program
• The COVID-19 pandemic was identified as having further exacerbated disparities in swimming lesson access

The study identified a knowledge gap regarding the role and views of the aquatic industry in population-level voucher programs.

• The authors note this study addresses 'a knowledge gap around the role and views of industry'
• Future research was recommended to explore voucher programs' impact on participant retention and long-term enrolment outcomes
• Findings are intended to inform future health promotion strategies