The warmer months are here at last!
As we step outside to soak up the sunshine, water safety experts are in the news this week, reminding parents to stay vigilant and to start swim lessons as early as possible.
toddlers at greatest risk
Water safety experts are urging parents to start swim lessons as early as 3 months, following new data showing 1-year-olds remain the most vulnerable to drowning among children under 5.
In 2024, 15 children under 5 lost their lives to drowning, with 1-year-olds accounting for 40% of these tragedies.
Falls into water caused over half (53%) of these deaths, while 13% occurred at home.
swim into summer campaign
This week, the national Swim Into Summer campaign kicks off (29 September–3 October 2025), and throughout the campaign, families can access 5 free online swim lessons to kickstart water safety at home and complement formal swim instruction.
The aim of the online swim lessons is to help children build essential water skills: water familiarisation, breath control, floating, submersion, propulsion, and foundational swimming techniques.
Swim schools across Australia will also be offering free lessons throughout the campaign.
‘vital to get kids safe and comfortable around water’
“Drowning is silent, fast, and it happens when we least expect it — especially around the home where families assume it is safest,” says Olympian and founder of Sam Riley Swim Schools, Sam Riley.
“My children all started learning to swim around 6 months old because it is vital to get children safe and comfortable around water as early as possible.”
According to Emma Lawrence, National Operations Manager at Kids Alive, “1-year-olds are the most at risk” of drowning because “their mobility is increasing, but their awareness of danger isn’t”.
“Starting swim lessons between 3 and 6 months helps build familiarity, confidence, and safety around water,” she says.
beyond drowning: non-fatal risks
Experts note that for every child who drowns, up to 8 experience non-fatal drowning, often resulting in long-term disability.
Consistent swim education is crucial to reducing both fatal and non-fatal incidents.
“The flip side of these fatalities is that for every child that drowns, up to 8 others suffer a non-fatal drowning, with many children impacted by a lifelong disability,” says Lawrence.
“That tells us we need to start teaching kids to swim when they are young and continue consistently through childhood to ensure maximum protection.”
learn more
For free online lessons and to find participating swim schools, visit Kids Alive Swim Into Summer.
To read my full interview with Emma Lawrence on why teaching kids to swim early matters, click here.
x G.
editor, journalist, digital content creator with a background in nutrition & dietetics.
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