Royal Life Saving Australia and Swimming Australia announce partnership to advance water safety and swimming participation

The Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and Swimming Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to unite their expertise and resources in a partnership aimed at eliminating drowning and empowering all Australians to be safe and active around water.

This collaboration marks a significant step in the shared mission to ensure every Australian has access to swimming and water safety education, sustainable aquatic infrastructure, and lifelong opportunities for aquatic participation.

The partnership formalises a commitment to:

• Reduce barriers and promote access to swimming for all Australians, regardless of background.

• Improve access to sustainable aquatic infrastructure so communities’ nationwide benefit from quality aquatic facilities.

• Ensure all Australian children meet or exceed national swimming and water safety benchmarks.

• Promote lifelong pathways from learning to swim through to recreational and competitive swimming.

Announcing the partnership, Royal Life Saving Chief Executive, Dr Justin Scarr stated “drowning is preventable, and being able to swim is a human right. By partnering with Swimming Australia, we are strengthening our ability to empower communities, foster inclusion, and ensure every Australian can enjoy the water safely. Together, we can make a lasting impact on water safety and build healthier, more connected communities.”

Swimming Australia Chief Executive, Rob Woodhouse added “swimming is at the heart of Australia’s identity (and) this partnership with Royal Life Saving Australia allows us to align our efforts, from grassroots learn-to-swim programs to elite sport, ensuring that every Australian child can be safe and confident in the water. By working together, we are creating stronger pathways and advocating for the vital role swimming plays in our nation’s health and wellbeing."

The partnership will see organisations will work together to present a unified voice to decision-makers and the public, leveraging their combined expertise to achieve these goals.

Image: Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Dr Justin Scarr and Swimming Australia Chief Executive Rob Woodhouse announce the partnership at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.