BACKGROUND

In 2020, an updated National Swimming and Water Safety Framework with three National Benchmarks was launched  following a review by an expert reference group of swimming and water safety organisations, governments, peak sporting associations and learn to swim providers.

In 2023, Royal Life Saving undertook research to gain a greater understanding of application of the Framework and Benchmarks by swimming and water safety education providers nation-wide.

KEY FINDINGS

• Report surveyed 45 organisations that provide lessons to 825,000 children annually.
• Swim and Survive remains the most popular and widespread swimming and water safety curriculum delivered in Australian Swim Schools;
  • 36% of all respondents utilising the Swim and Survive program
  • 58% utilise a variation of Swim and Survive or their own developed program.

• 14% used swim school and program data to track student achievement against the National Benchmarks.
• More than 20 different data collection systems are in use by swim schools across Australia.
• 75% are interested in participating in a data collection project on the National Benchmarks.

THREE KEY ACTIONS

The following three key actions have emerged from the Recommendations of the report:

1. Improve swim school provider awareness of the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework and Benchmarks and associated resources, as well as alignment of the Swim and Survive program.
2. Undertake a structured data collection project to assess achievement against the three National Benchmarks, by seeking to collaborate with Departments of Education to track and report on children's swimming and water safety skills.
3. Provide support and resources for teachers of the 13- to 17 year age group, to ensure increased achievement of the Benchmarks in this age group.