Why swimming skills matter more than ever for young Australians
In 2024–25, Australia saw a troubling 27% increase in drowning deaths among people aged 0–29, with the most alarming rise among those aged 15–24. Royal Life Saving Australia’s latest report Research Snapshot: State of drowning among young people aged 10 -20 years and the role of swimming skills reveals that drowning risk escalates sharply from age 10, peaking at age 20, where the risk is 13 times higher than at age 10.
Despite these risks, swimming competency among young people remains worryingly low. Half of 10-year-olds and 40% of 15-year-olds cannot swim 50 metres. Even more concerning, one in ten children aged 5–14 have never attended swimming lessons, and a third stop lessons between ages 7–9.
The data shows that swimming and recreating, and unintentional falls are the leading activities associated with drowning among children aged 5–14, this is the same for 15-24 age groups with the addition of rock fishing.
This research underscores the urgent need for sustained swimming education beyond primary school. As a community, we must advocate for continued access to swimming lessons, especially through adolescence, and promote water safety awareness tailored to older teens and young adults.
LSV is committed to turning these insights into action, because every young life saved is a future protected.
Read more here: Parents urged to consider a second dose of swimming lessons before high school | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia