Published 21 July 2025
The Royal Life Saving 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.
Dr Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Life Saving Australia, said:
“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.”
Rob Woodhouse, Chief Executive Officer of Swimming Australia, added:
“Swimming is at the heart of Australia’s identity. 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 organisations will work together to present a unified voice to decision-makers and the public, leveraging their combined expertise to achieve these goals.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Royal Life Saving Australia (via Media Key) – (03) 9769 6488 | 0409 420 112
Swimming Australia – Jodie Hawkins, Executive General Manager – Commercial, E:jodie.hawkins@swimming.org.au, P: 0418 295 335
