Published 24 June 2025
As temperatures drop and winter takes hold, Royal Life Saving Australia is encouraging parents to keep their children active during the colder months by enrolling them in Swim and Survive swimming lessons.
Recent research shows a worrying decline in children's swimming and water safety skills, with many falling short of national benchmarks by the end of primary school. Only 51% of Year 7 students can swim 50 metres and just 39% can float for two minutes - key competencies that are critical to saving lives. Enrolling in winter swimming lessons helps children maintain and build their skills, setting them up for lifelong safety and confidence in and around the water. Read more about the research here.
Royal Life Saving Australia Chief Executive Officer, Justin Scarr, said that contrary to popular belief, swimming during the colder months offers numerous benefits that contribute to children's fitness, safety, and overall well-being.
"Winter swimming lessons are an excellent way for children to stay active and healthy throughout the colder months. Not only does it help maintain their swimming skills, but it also provides a fantastic opportunity for social interaction and building confidence in the water.
"Swimming is not just great for physical fitness; it also boosts mood, reduces anxiety, and enhances coordination and motor skills. It's an inclusive activity that children of all ages and abilities can enjoy, helping them achieve developmental milestones," said Mr Scarr.
Royal Life Saving Australia offers practical tips for parents and swim teachers to ensure children remain warm and comfortable during winter swimming lessons:
- Dress warmly before and after lessons, including a beanie and proper footwear.
- Avoid water play before lessons to keep children warm and focused.
- Engage in warm-up stretches to increase blood flow and reduce injury risk.
- Use snug-fitting rash vests and swim caps for extra warmth, without restricting movement.
- Take a hot shower immediately after lessons to warm up quickly.
- Maintain activity during lessons with short, dynamic drills.
- Incorporate out-of-water training on particularly cold days to focus on water safety skills.
Parents are encouraged to enrol their children in winter swimming and water safety lessons, such as Royal Life Saving’s Swim and Survive program. These lessons are vital for learning essential life skills and staying fit year-round.
