Evaluation of the First Lap learn to swim voucher programme: protocol

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Child Safety
• Health Economics

Background:

• Swimming proficiency is crucial for drowning prevention.
• Many Australian children lack access to learn-to-swim programs.
• Voucher initiatives can mitigate costs and improve participation, especially for vulnerable groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the First Lap voucher program's effectiveness in increasing preschooler participation in swimming lessons.
• To assess the program's impact on parental knowledge and attitudes towards water safety.
• To determine the program's cost-effectiveness and its influence on the aquatics sector.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods evaluation combining quantitative and qualitative data.
• Analysis of program logic model, baseline data, and voucher redemption rates.
• Surveys to track voucher use, parental knowledge, and attitudes towards swimming lessons.

Main Results:

• The evaluation will determine the program's impact on participation rates, particularly in priority populations.
• It will examine shifts in parental motivation and awareness regarding learn-to-swim programs.
• Cost-effectiveness and the aquatics sector's delivery capacity will be assessed.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide insights into the effectiveness of voucher programs for swimming education.
• Findings will inform strategies for enhancing child safety and drowning prevention through increased participation.
• The evaluation will assess the program's broader impact on water safety awareness and aquatics sector support.