For generations of Aussie kids, the annual school swimming carnival was an unmissable rite of passage – whether you were gunning for blue ribbons or just happy to muck around in the novelty races (Pool Pony races, anyone?) but now, according to a new study, one in four schools no longer hold the event and of the ones that do, only 50% of students participate.
According to a new survey of more than 300 education staff, a growing number of kids are struggling with the basics, alarming experts.
Despite national guidelines saying Year 6 students should be able to tread water for two minutes and swim 50 metres – almost half can’t. It has Royal Life Saving Australia worried, with the number of people who drowned this summer up by 5% on last year.
Other worrying findings:
- 39% of Year 10 students still can’t meet the Year 6 swimming standard.
- 84% of 15-16-year-olds lack the ability to swim 400 metres and tread water for five minutes – basic skills that could save their lives.
Several key factors are contributing to this crisis, including rising costs of swimming lessons, time-poor parents and school budget cuts. A third of schools (31%) don’t offer learn-to-swim programs due to cost, staff shortages, and time constraints.
Experts say we need government funding for schools, making lessons part of the curriculum again, subsidies for families and better community awareness. With Australia’s beaches, rivers, and backyard pools always within reach, the ability to swim isn’t optional – it’s essential.
