Parents are being encouraged to start their children’s swimming and water safety education early. But is knowing how to swim enough to keep a child safe in the water? Learn the key steps parents can take to help reduce the risk of drowning.
Key Points
- According to the 2026 National Drowning Report, one-year-olds remain particularly vulnerable to drowning. They accounted for 64 per cent, or almost two-thirds, of drowning deaths among children under five in 2025–26.
- Laurie Lawrence, Olympic and World Champion swim coach and founder of Kids Alive, says introducing children to swimming and water safety from an early age can help them develop important skills and confidence around water.
- According to Royal Life Saving Australia, children who can swim can still drown, and swimming lessons should never replace active adult supervision.
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The information in this podcast is intended as general water safety guidance only. Parents and carers should seek advice from qualified swimming and water safety professionals where appropriate.
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