Children’s Swimming & Water Safety Skills: Teacher and Parent Perceptions

March, 2025

Royal Life Saving Australia

https://doi.org/10.62977/89724

1. Royal Life Saving - Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

This study investigates Australian primary and secondary school students' swimming and water safety skills compared to National Benchmarks, utilizing teacher and parent perspectives. Two surveys were conducted: the first targeting physical education teachers and principals to assess students' skills, examine school swimming carnivals, and identify available swimming programs; the second targeting parents and caregivers. Results indicate that 48% of year 6 students cannot swim 50 meters or tread water for 2 minutes, failing to meet benchmarks. Additionally, 84% of year 10 students cannot swim 400 meters, the benchmark for 17-year-olds. Many schools do not offer swimming programs, citing costs and limited resources. These findings highlight a critical need for a coordinated approach to improve children’s swimming and water safety skills.