We’ve all missed out on so much because of COVID-19.
Swim schools and local pools across the country, have been hit hard by mandated closures and restrictions. Millions of lessons have been missed. This threatens to have tragic consequences for many Australians and may create a generation of non-swimmers.
Research shows that almost half of 12 year olds can’t swim continuously for 50 metres or float for 2 minutes in deep water – a basic swimming and water safety benchmark. Disturbingly, COVID led closures have amplified a long-term trend of children in this critical age group not taking or continuing lessons.
Given our national lifestyle, swimming is a vital life skill. Not being able to swim diminishes enjoyment of life and puts lives at risk, now and in the future.
When children learn to swim, it opens up a world of possibility. They get the opportunity to enjoy water activities and be involved in water-based sports, school camps, beach holidays, riverside camping and playing with friends and family at the pool, just to name a few.
Through swimming lessons, they learn to recognise and understand risk factors as they enter their teens and adulthood to be able to make better decisions in and around the water to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Aquatic facilities, swim schools and swimming can play a major role in individuals and our communities coming back from the recent COVID experience strong and healthy in mind and body. In bringing communities together, facilities and swim schools continue their essential role in ensuring Australian families are safe, confident and happy in and around the water.
We Swim is a celebration of inclusivity for all Australians wherever they live to join in, have fun and be safe in and around the water.
We Swim is inspiring 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, on and around the water.
Whether children are new to swimming or have dropped out too early – the aim is to ensure all children stay in lessons long enough to achieve and exceed the national benchmark for swimming and water safety, to swim continuously for 50 metres and float in deep water for 2 minutes by 12 years of age.
National Benchmarks
The National Swimming and Water Safety Framework's ultimate goal is to increase the swimming and water safety skills of all Australians for lifelong safe and active participation in physical aquatic activities and recreation.
There are three National Benchmarks outlining the minimum standards for children at the ages of 6, 12 and 17 years. It is vital for children to regularly participate in swimming lessons throughout their school years to achieve and exceed these National Benchmarks.
Aquatic Industry
From large aquatic facilities to local swim schools - the Aquatic Industry is committed to the health and safety of children and a nation free from drowning.
Industry can support the We Swim Campaign by signing up to receive the Campaign Supporters Toolkit with all the resources and key messages to share with their local community.
Further, Industry can align themselves with the campaign to improve and promote what they have on offer, helping to also drive their business and keeping students in lessons to achieve national benchmarks in swimming and water safety.
PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY
Parents and everyone in every community can join the We Swim movement. Whatever their age, background or location, we encourage everyone to share We Swim Videos and Social Media assets to their networks.
Further, parents and the community can help to join the conversation of #WeSwim by sharing their own swimming journey to demonstrate the lifelong benefits of swimming and the importance of keeping safe in and around the water.
Royal Life Saving is working with the Aquatic Industry and Government to support and elevate the We Swim Campaign both nationally and locally.
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If you have any questions or require any further information please get in touch with our support team at:
Email: weswim@rlssa.org.au
Phone: (02) 8217 3111
Media: Enquires should be directed to Media Key via telephone (03) 9769 6488.
