Aqua Learn to Swim and Pip the Penguin turn 5!

Published on 23 December 2020

Here’s a story which has a lot of 5’s in it! Blacktown City Council launched the Aqua Learn to Swim program 5 years ago at the 5 leisure and aquatic centres in Blacktown City and introduced our new mascot, Pip the Penguin, who is now 5 years old!

To celebrate Pip’s birthday, students from our Aqua Learn to Swim program were invited to enter the Aqua colouring-in competition.

A winner was chosen from each of our 5 venues with the winners and their families invited along to Pip’s birthday celebration - complete with balloons, birthday cake and of course presents!

Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM was Pip’s very special guest.

“Since the program launched in October 2015 Aqua Learn to Swim has built a strong foundation of students which has grown every year,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Students learn to be water safe and confident swimmers in a fun, educational and rewarding environment.”

2020 has been a tough year for everyone and while some things have had to be stopped or postponed, the importance of learning to swim has not changed.

During the peak summer period before COVID, around 8,000 students enrolled in the program. Students have been returning since pools reopened and numbers are now getting back to previous levels.

“Council is grateful to the many parents out there who recognise swimming is not just about having fun, but it is a skill for life,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“What a wonderful milestone to be celebrating with our students and their families. Thank you to everyone in our Aqua Learn to Swim family.”

The five winners in the Aqua colouring-in competition:

For further information on Aqua Learn to Swim or Council’s leisure and aquatic centres please visit www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au   Photo caption: The winners of the colouring-in competition with Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale, OAM and 'Pip'.