Australia has recorded the highest number of drowning deaths in more than a decade, with shocking new figures revealing that one in ten primary-aged children have never set foot in a swimming lesson.
The 2025 National Drowning Report*, released by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, shows 357 people lost their lives to drowning in the past year – 27% above the 10-year average.
Half of all children are leaving primary school unable to swim 50 metres or float for two minutes, both basic skills that can mean the difference between life and death.
“These statistics are a wake-up call,” said Melissa Morgan, Sport & Recreation, Regional Manager from the Y NSW who operate aquatic facilities across the state.
“We’re seeing more children missing out on lessons, more families heading to waterways, and drowning deaths at unprecedented levels. Water safety is not optional in Australia, it’s a matter of survival and swimming lessons build skills,” continued Melissa.
The Y NSW (previously YMCA) operates multiple swim schools across the state, including Ku-ring-gai, Hawkesbury Oasis, Port Macquarie Hastings and Broken Hill, yet even as enrolments surge into the thousands this spring, demand is outstripping supply.
To help close the gap, the Y is urging families to act now, with learn-to-swim programs for toddlers, children and adults available for summer. Initiatives such as the Migrant Swimming Program in Port Macquarie, run in partnership with local groups, are breaking down cultural and financial barriers to ensure no one is left behind.
But the organisation says families aren’t the only ones who can make a difference, more swimming teachers are desperately needed to meet the demand.
“As teachers, we see every week how lessons change lives,” said Craig Hatfield, swim teacher at the Y Port Macquarie.
“A child learning to float, a migrant parent gaining confidence in the pool, these skills can one day save a life. Right now, we need more teachers to stop these tragedies from continuing.”
The Y NSW is calling on families to enrol their children in lessons this summer to avoid waitlists and is appealing to passionate community members to consider training as swim teachers.
“Every life lost to drowning is preventable. We all have a role to play in turning these numbers around,” said Melissa.
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