Why Strong Swimming Skills Matter

Strong swimming skills matter more than ever in 2026.

Australia has always had a strong connection to the water — from backyard pools to rivers, beaches and summer holidays along the coast. But this year’s National Drowning Report 2025 has delivered a sobering message: drowning rates are rising, and swimming skills across the country are declining at a worrying pace.

As parents, this can feel confronting. We want our kids to enjoy the water safely, confidently and as part of their everyday Australian lifestyle. At Surrey Park, we’ve always believed in building strong, lifelong swimmers — and the data shows this is more important than ever.

A Tough Year for Water Safety in Australia

The report highlights 357 drowning deaths in 2024/25, the highest number ever recorded and a 27% increase on the 10-year average. Men remain significantly overrepresented, making up 81% of all drowning deaths.

Families may find it reassuring that drowning among children aged 0–4 years has continued to decline, with numbers sitting 21% below the 10-year average — a testament to improved pool fencing, supervision and early lessons. But children are still vulnerable, especially as they become mobile and curious.

For children aged 5–14 years, the drowning rate has also decreased slightly, but the leading causes — swimming and recreating, particularly in rivers and creeks — remind us that skills learned in a pool must transfer to unfamiliar environments.

The group causing the most concern, however, is young adults and older Australians.

The Skills Gap: A Growing National Challenge

The report acknowledges something swimming instructors have been noticing for years: children’s swimming skills are in decline, and many families struggle to access consistent lessons. Some key findings include:

• 1 in 10 children aged 5–14 has never attended swimming lessons, especially those from lower socio-economic or regional areas.
• 31% of schools do not offer swimming programs, often due to travel or cost barriers.
• Skill loss is evident by adolescence, where drowning rates spike sharply.

This decline has flow-on effects. Young people 15–24 years recorded a 28% increase in drowning rates, with many incidents occurring while travelling to unfamiliar locations during holidays.

Older Australians are now the most at-risk group. People aged 65+ years accounted for 33% of drowning deaths, with the drowning rate increasing 48% above the 10-year average. Factors like mobility changes, medical conditions and underestimating personal ability contribute to this trend.

For families, this reinforces that swimming isn’t just a childhood milestone — it’s a lifelong safety skill.

What This Means for Your Family

As a trusted local swim school, Surrey Park sees firsthand how confidence grows with regular, structured lessons. The report shows the leading activity prior to drowning remains swimming and recreating — meaning people are entering the water by choice, but without the skills to stay safe.

Developing strong, adaptable skills helps children and adults:

• make safer decisions in open water
• understand conditions like currents and depth changes
• build the stamina needed to manage unexpected situations
• enjoy Australia’s waterways with confidence

Families often ask, “How long should my child stay in lessons?”
With our years of experience and backed up by national data, we encourage continued progression through to our junior squad program — not stopping once basics are achieved. Consistency is key to building swimmers who can move confidently from the pool to the beach or river.

For older adults, gentle aquatic fitness and refresher lessons can be life-changing, helping rebuild strength and water awareness.

Let’s Build a Safer Swimming Community Together

With drowning rates increasing across almost all locations — beaches, rivers, pools and coastal environments — the message is clear: water safety starts with strong, ongoing swimming skills and local community support.

Surrey Park is proud to be part of a community that values progress, confidence and practical skills. Whether your child is taking their first dip, your teen is preparing for summer adventures, or you’re looking to stay active in a safe environment, we’re here to help.

We donate a portion of our lessons Community Access Program

Call to Action

Give your family the confidence to enjoy the water safely.
Explore our learn-to-swim programs, stroke development pathways and adult classes at surreypark.org.au — and let’s keep our community swim-ready, skilled and safe all year round.