What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to evaluate the economic impact of the First Lap programme, assessing benefits against costs.

February 14, 2026Health Promotion Journal of Australia0 citationsOpen Access

Evaluating the Economic Impact of Learn‐to‐Swim Programmes: A Cost–Benefit Analysis of the First Lap Voucher Programme in Australia

SWSiyuan WangDalian Ocean University RMRona MacnivenUNSW Sydney APAmy PedenUNSW Sydney

Key Points

The aim is to evaluate the economic impact of the First Lap programme, assessing benefits against costs.
Surveyed registered providers and families involved in the First Lap programme
Estimated programme benefits and costs from state government sources
Used standard cost-benefit metrics for outcome reporting
Conducted subgroup analyses based on socio-economic indexes
Direct benefits amounted to AUS$39.3 million, with costs of AUS$28 million, yielding AUS$1.40 per dollar invested
Including indirect benefits raised total returns to AUS$62.3 million, or AUS$2.23 per dollar
Returns consistently exceeded costs in both financial periods analyzed
Subgroup analysis revealed similar direct financial returns across socio-economic groups

Abstract

ABSTRACT Issue Addressed Swimming is an essential life skill for Australian children. Access to swimming lessons helps develop competence in the water. However, participation in swimming lessons among preschool‐aged children has declined in recent years, particularly following the pandemic. The New South Wales Government introduced the First Lap programme to encourage preschoolers' access to swimming lessons by providing AUS100 vouchers during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 financial years. The programme aimed to increase participation in early swimming education and raise parental awareness of its importance for water safety. We assessed its economic impact from a policy perspective. Methods We surveyed registered First Lap providers and participating families to estimate programme benefits. Costs were sourced from the state government, with outcomes reported using standard cost‐benefit metrics. Subgroup analyses by Socio‐Economic Indexes for Areas quantiles examined variations in programme impact across community groups. Results A total of 100 providers and 14 126 parents/carers completed the surveys. Our findings suggest direct benefits of AUS39. 3 million against costs of AUS28 million, yielding AUS1. 40 per dollar invested. Including indirect benefits increased total returns to AUS62. 3 million, or AUS2. 23 per dollar. Benefits consistently exceeded costs in both financial periods, with returns between AUS1. 38 and AUS2. 11 in 2021–2022 and AUS1. 43 to AUS2. 38 in 2022–2023. Subgroup analysis showed direct returns from AUS1. 40 to AUS1. 43 and AUS2. 22 to AUS2. 25 across socio‐economic groups. Conclusions We found strong economic support for the programme, with significant benefits across socio‐economic groups. So What? The findings suggest that the First Lap programme, providing swimming vouchers to preschoolers, is a cost‐effective initiative to help families access lessons and promote children's safety and health.

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