Safe Swimming Series: Why Swimming Matters More Than Ever for Adults and Older Australians
As adults, many of us put our own swimming skills on the back burner. Life gets busy, joints get a little stiffer, and before we know it, decades have slipped by without dipping more than a toe in the water. But here’s the good news: swimming truly is one of those rare activities that becomes better with age. It’s gentle, strengthening, confidence-building and—importantly—lifesaving.
And today, the evidence showing why adults and older Australians should stay strong in the water has never been clearer.
A Growing Risk: What the National Drowning Report Tells Us
The National Drowning Report 2025 highlights a confronting trend: drowning rates are rising across Australia, with 357 deaths recorded—a 27% increase on the 10-year average. Most concerning is that one in three drowning deaths is now a person aged 65 or older. This group recorded the highest drowning rate of all ages and a 48% increase on the 10-year average.
Royal Life Saving Australia notes that older adults are more vulnerable due to reduced strength, changes in mobility, medical conditions, and accidental falls near water. Many also overestimate their ability, particularly if they learned to swim decades ago and have not refreshed their skills.
Swimming skills “are in rapid decline” nationally, making it more important than ever for adults—especially older adults—to learn, refresh, and maintain confidence in the water.
Why Swimming Is Ideal for Adults and Older Bodies
Decades of medical research confirm that swimming is one of the best all-round exercises for adults, and it’s particularly helpful for older swimmers.
1. Low-impact strength and fitness
Water is 12 times denser than air, giving your muscles gentle resistance while taking pressure off joints, hips and spine. This makes it ideal for adults managing arthritis, osteoporosis or general joint pain.
2. Heart and lung health
Regular swimming improves oxygen use, lowers blood pressure, raises “good” cholesterol and can reduce heart disease risk. Studies show just 30 minutes of swimming a day can significantly decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.
3. Improved balance and reduced fall risk
Falling is one of the biggest injury risks for older adults. Research shows swimmers over 70 are 33% less likely to experience a fall—a remarkable protective factor attributed to improved muscle tone, posture and bone strength.
4. Mental health, mood and cognitive benefits
Swimming triggers feel-good endorphins, reduces anxiety and has been linked to slowing cognitive decline. Research shows regular swimming improves executive functioning—memory, problem solving, flexible thinking—helping adults stay mentally sharp.
5. Better sleep
With its full-body conditioning and calming rhythm, swimming supports deeper, more restorative sleep—something many older adults struggle to achieve.
A Skill That Keeps You Safe—For Life
When adults lack water confidence, they are less able to keep themselves safe, let alone assist children or grandchildren.
Royal Life Saving Australia warns: “If you can’t swim, set a goal to learn.”
Water remains a constant part of Australian life—beaches, rivers, holidays, backyard pools. The safest thing any adult can do is ensure they have the skills to float, move through the water, stay calm under pressure and recognise hazards before getting in.
Learning as an Adult: You’re Not Alone
At Surrey Park, we see adults begin swimming for many reasons—health, confidence, travel, and often their children. Many, like Sunita, simply want to feel safe getting in the water with their family:
“If something happens, you can’t really save yourself. That’s why I felt I had to learn.”
Our adult learners start in a calm, supportive environment, progressing at a pace that feels achievable and respectful. With every lesson, confidence grows—and so does joy.
The Surrey Park Difference
We offer:
- Beginner to advanced adult lessons in warm, welcoming settings
- Opportunities to join our Surrey Park Seahorses, where swimmers range from their 30s to over 80 and enjoy both fitness and community connections
Swimming is not just a sport—it’s a lifelong safety skill, a social outlet, and a gentle pathway to better health.
Ready to Feel Confident in the Water?
Whether you want to improve fitness, feel safer around water, or enjoy time with your family, we’d love to support your journey.