Published 16 December 2021
Life is better when we swim
We’ve missed out on so much because of Covid-19. The mental health and economic impacts have been severe. This is especially true for people in communities who’ve endured extended lockdowns but also for those separated from family and friends because of closed borders, here and abroad.
Businesses and workers have been hurt and not just those in storefronts or workshops or restaurants but in every area of economic activity. Swim schools and local pools across the country, for example, have been hit hard by mandated closures and restrictions. And that threatens to have tragic consequences for many Australians in the coming summer and beyond.
Lockdowns have led many swimming teachers and pool lifeguards to leave jobs they love in search of whatever stable work they could find. Staff shortages are impacting on many businesses and communities. This impact is worse in regional where swimming pools play an important part in summer fun.
That’s a blow to them, to the industry, and potentially to the economy.
But it’s a blow to the safety of our society too.
Before the pandemic we all had concerns that almost half of children graduating from primary school each year can’t swim 50 metres or float for two minutes – a basic national swimming and water safety benchmark. Disturbingly, Covid-led closures and other impacts on families have amplified this long-term trend of children in this critical age group not taking or finishing swimming lessons too soon.
Given our lifestyle, swimming is a vital life skill. Not being able to swim diminishes the enjoyment of life and puts lives at risk, now and in the future.
As a nation, we love water, be it inland pools, lakes and rivers or our oceans and bays. We consider ourselves good in and around the water, but each year hundreds drown, while many more have close escapes.
Last year, after the first waves of coronavirus infection subsided, we opened up to enjoy the summer, and tragically we saw a 20% increase in drownings.
In the past year, 39 children (0-14 years) lost their lives in the water, significantly more than the long-term average.
Sadly too, many adults lost their lives by underestimating the risks or overestimating their own swimming ability.
As Australians enjoy sustained freedoms in the coming summer months courtesy of our vaccination programs, we can’t afford to have another summer like that.
Through ongoing structured swimming lessons, especially for children aged 6-12, we can ensure all our children are proficient and safe around water. It is a life investment; we will be equipping them to make better decisions in and around water as teenagers and in adulthood.
Many studies have shown that we are stronger and healthier of body and mind when we swim.
Aquatic centres and swimming can play a major role in individuals, families and our communities – especially culturally diverse communities - coming back from the recent Covid experience strong and healthy in mind and body.
We are happier and healthier when we swim.
However, teacher shortages, missed lessons, children and many adults who can’t swim, pool closures, communities without pools - the list of challenges is long.
This is a complex set of problems, one that will require us all to regroup in 2022 to create a comprehensive, multi-dimensional response.
To make a start, Royal Life Saving Australia has created We Swim, a movement to inspire parents across Australia to take action to ensure their children enjoy all the benefits of swimming, from the fun stuff like splashes, dives and races to the many health and safety benefits of being in the water.
Be Part of the We Swim Campaign
Those interested in being a supporter can sign up here or via existing arrangements with Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member organisations.
Campaign Resources including a Toolkit with key resources will be provided to share across your local network. Resources include: videos; digital display screens; DL Flyer; posters; social media and digital assets.
Resources will be updated and added to the website for download in phases as the campaign progresses. Once you sign up, you will be notified of the updates and the availability of the additional resources.
In bringing communities back together, the aquatic centres also continue their essential role in ensuring Australian families can enjoy summer in and around the water - and do so confidently and safely.
Life is better when we swim.
For further information regarding the We Swim campaign visit www.weswim.com.au
