As parents, we all want to keep our children safe. But did you know that nearly half of Australian Year 6 students can’t swim 50 metres or tread water for two minutes?

This isn’t just a concerning stat – it’s a national wake-up call.

According to the 2025 Children’s Swimming & Water Safety Skills: Teacher and Parent Perceptions Report released by Royal Life Saving Australia, there’s been a further decline in swimming competency among school-aged children. The findings, as reported in Australasian Leisure Management, confirm what many parents and teachers are already witnessing: Aussie kids are falling behind on essential water safety skills.

A generational risk

The report highlights that:

• 45% of Year 6 students are unable to swim 50 metres or tread water for 2 minutes.
• Teachers and parents alike feel their children lack confidence and haven’t had enough access to swimming education.
• Many schools have been forced to cancel swimming carnivals altogether due to low skill levels.

This isn’t just about missing out on school events. It’s about safety, confidence, and preparedness around water.

Drowning is preventable

Every year, Royal Life Saving Australia reminds us that drowning is preventable – and learning to swim is the most effective protection we can give our kids.

Swimming isn’t just a summer activity. It’s a lifesaving skill, and one that needs to be developed consistently, especially during the cooler months when many families pause lessons.

Why winter matters

That’s why at PARC Swim, we’re encouraging families to keep swimming through winter.

Our warm indoor pools, expert swim teachers, and fun, progressive program create a safe and supportive environment for children, and adults, to build strong, year-round water safety skills.

Join PARC Swim 

Whether your child, or you as an adult wishing to learn, are just starting out or building on existing skills, our swim program gives you the confidence to be safer and stronger in the water – no matter the season.

Enrolments are now open. Don’t delay, book in for a free in-water assessment today. Join PARC Swim now, learn more here.