Royal Life Saving's advocacy and policy work in drowning prevention and water safety is based on in-depth research to understand fatal and non-fatal drowning to build a picture of the circumstances behind every incident and the wide-ranging impacts drowning has on people and communities.
It aims to provide and evidence base for all of Royal Life Saving's water safety education and safety resources.
LIVES NOT NUMBERS
Every year, Royal Life Saving produces the National Drowning Report, examining the factors that contribute to drowning deaths in Australia by examining who, where, when and how people have drowned in Australian waterways. We are ever mindful that these stories in this report are of real people whose lives have been lost or impacted by drowning. We seek to advocate and collaborate to reduce the impact of drowning on the community.
From Primary to High School: A Generational Decline in Swimming Skills Puts Lives at Risk
New Royal Life Saving research highlights further declines in children’s swimming skills, with half of Year 6 students falling below the National Swimming and Water Safety Benchmark. This alarming trend continues into high school, putting thousands at increased risk of drowning in early adulthood.
Key Findings:
- Primary-aged students are struggling to meet benchmarks. Teachers estimate that 48% of Year 6 students cannot swim 50 metres and tread water for two minutes. Parents report similar concerns, with 46% of 11-12-year-olds falling short of this standard.
- Swimming skills don’t improve in high school. Teachers estimate that 39% of Year 10 students still cannot meet the Year 6 benchmark
- Lifesaving skills of high school students are dangerously weak. Teachers estimate a staggering 84% of 15-16-year-olds are unable to swim 400 metres and tread water for five minutes, a basic lifesaving requirement and the benchmark for 17-year-olds.
OUR MAJOR PARTNER
The Australian Government provides significant support and funding for Royal Life Saving's drowning prevention initiatives and activities, including swimming and water safety education programs, community awareness campaigns and industry support.
