Most Aussies are keen swimmers, but there are some who could use some lessons before jumping in the deep end – especially children.
Summer is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be around water, with 26 per cent of drowning deaths occurring in December and January.
Swim Safety Ambassador Laurie Lawrence says educating young Australians is vital.
“Drowning is a silent killer, and summer is the peak drowning season, Mr Lawrence says.
“There’s been some small improvements over the years, but drowning rates in the under 5’s is still a big worry.”
To combat drowning rates, a new prevention initiative called ‘Swim into Summer with Kids Alive’ is launching.
The initiative sees swim schools across the country host free lessons and water safety education events.
They also offer free online lessons to support regional residents who might not have access to a swimming teacher.
The campaign takes place during the school holidays from September 25-29.
