Annual SWIMSAFER Report calls for immediate action on children's lack of water safety skills

As Australians prepare for another summer, the annual SWIMSAFER Report has revealed that nearly half of all parents are not confident their children possess the water safety skills needed to survive an emergency.

As a result, water safety experts are urging families to prioritise swimming lessons, particularly the critical skill of learning to float.

Released to coincide with SWIMSAFER Week 2024 (which runs from 18th to 24th November), the report has uncovered that a concerning 44% of parents are unsure if their child has the water safety skills to handle an emergency. In addition, 45% of parents rate their children’s floating ability as poor or average, despite floating being essential in a water emergency.

While 55% of parents believe that learning to float could save their child's life, more than a third of children are not enrolled in swimming lessons where this life-saving skill is taught. Even worse, 38% of parents have no plans to enrol their children in lessons at all.

To emphasise the importance of learning to swim and mastering floating, SWIMSAFER Week has partnered with well known lifeguard Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins and his Float to Survive Australia initiative.

Hopkins, the Head of Lifeguarding Services for Sydney’s Waverley Council who regularly appears on the Bondi Rescue television series, explains “floating allows people to conserve energy and stay calm during a water emergency, which is often the difference between life and death.

"Too many drownings occur because panic sets in, and people exhaust themselves trying to stay afloat. The message is simple: if you’re in trouble, stop, stay calm, and float. It could save your life."

Explaining that the report also revealed many families were missing out on learning the critical skill of floating due to financial pressures, Brendon Ward, Chief Executive of Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia (SWIM) adds "one in four children stopped swimming lessons due to the rising cost of living, but more concerning is the fact that 38% of parents have no plans to enrol their children at all.

"Learning to float is essential in all bodies of water, yet many families are missing out on this key survival skill."

According to the Royal Life Saving Drowning Report 2024, Australia has seen a staggering 45% increase in drowning deaths at beaches compared to the 10-year average, with a 12% rise from last year alone. Rip currents remain the leading cause, contributing to over 35% of beach drownings. In response to these alarming figures, SWIMSAFER Week aims to combat these tragic numbers by promoting essential water survival skills, including the life-saving ability to float.

Ward went on to say "that’s why we teamed up with Hoppo to help prepare families for summer. Knowing how to float and handle yourself in a water emergency can be the difference between life and death.

“Learning the five key steps to handle an emergency and save vital time by floating should be a priority for every family.”

The 2024 SWIMSAFER Week is seeing more than 500 swim schools across the country participate, focusing on teaching children vital water safety skills, including floating and water emergency responses. Swim schools will also be hosting free ‘float clinics’ to improve both parents’ and children’s confidence in water environments.

In addition, the campaign will continue its 'SWIM It Forward' initiative, providing financial assistance to families who may otherwise struggle to afford swimming lessons.

Ward went on to emphasis "we want every child to have the opportunity to learn to swim, starting with floating.

"Together, we can equip more children with the skills they need to stay safe in the water."

Key findings from the 2024 SWIMSAFER Report:

• 44% of parents are not confident their child has the water safety skills to handle a water emergency.

• 45% of children poor or average float ability

• 55% of parents believe learning to float can save their child's life

• 31% of children not in swimming lessons

• 38% of parents have no plans to enrol children in lessons

To learn more about SWIMSAFER Week, find participating swim schools, or contribute to the 'Swim It Forward' initiative, go to www.swimsafer.org

Images: SWIMSAFER Week 2024 is running from 18th to 24th November (top) and SWIMSAFER ambassador Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins (below).