Labor splashes the cash on swimming lessons

Bill Shorten has committed a future federal Labor government to ensuring swimming lessons are delivered to all primary school children.

Labor has committed $46 million over the next four years for swimming lessons for primary school-aged children. Source: AAP

All primary school children would have access to swimming and water safety lessons under a future federal Labor government.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has committed $46 million over the next four years to ensure all Australian kids receive school-based swimming lessons.

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"Aussies love swimming, but too many young people are growing up without learning sufficient water safety skills to keep them safe," Mr Shorten said on Sunday.

About one-in-five Australian kids leave primary school unable to swim 50 metres.

Almost 250 people drowned in Australian waterways in the past year and one-in-five were aged under 25.

There have been 65 drownings during this summer alone.

Federal opposition leader Bill Shorten is campaigning in Queensland this weekend.

AAP