If your tween or teen doesn’t know how to swim, it’s not too late for lessons

If your tween or teen doesn’t know how to swim, it’s not too late for lessons

Marcos Castillo/ Shutterstock New figures show shocking numbers of Australian kids are not achieving basic swimming skills. Royal Life Saving Australia data estimates 48% of Year 6 students cannot swim 50 metres and tread water for two minutes. For those in high school, the results are even more worrying. Teachers estimate 39% of Year 10 students still cannot meet the same benchmark. These skills are based on minimum swimming and water safety st…

One in five Swedes themselves believe that they cannot swim 200 meters – what is required to call themselves a swimmer. For many, it has been a long time since they tested. In the video you see student Christoffer Johansson, 23 years old, in Umeå testing his swimming skills. – It has been eight years since I swam this far, he says.

Half of Aussie children aren't water safe

Follow the latest news headlines from Australia's most trusted source. Read in-depth expert analysis and watch live coverage on ABC News.

Kids’ swim skills decline as fewer schools offer lessons

The research by Royal Life Saving Australia highlighted the continued decline in children’s swimming skills amid concerns about a rise in the number of drownings.

New generation at risk as swimming skill levels plummet

Water safety experts have raised the alarm about declining levels of swimming ability in our kids.

Nation of waders: poor swimming puts generation at risk

Lifesavers are alarmed at a lack of swimming skills and abilities among primary school children. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS) By Ethan James Almost half of year-six students being unable to swim 50 metres rings alarm bells for water safety experts. The lack of skills leaves Australia at risk of becoming a “nation of waders” unable to swim their way out of trouble, Royal Life Saving Society Australia CEO Justin Scarr believes. Primary-aged students …