Year: 2025
Type: report
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study investigates Australian primary and secondary school students' swimming and water safety skills compared to National Benchmarks, utilizing teacher and parent perspectives. Two surveys were conducted: the first targeting physical education teachers and principals to assess students' skills, examine school swimming carnivals, and identify available swimming programs; the second targeting parents and caregivers. Results indicate that 48% of year 6 students cannot swim 50 meters or tread water for 2 minutes, failing to meet benchmarks. Additionally, 84% of year 10 students cannot swim 400 meters, the benchmark for 17-year-olds. Many schools do not offer swimming programs, citing costs and limited resources. These findings highlight a critical need for a coordinated approach to improve children’s swimming and water safety skills.
DOI: 10.62977/89724
Authors: Penny Larson, Stacey Pidgeon, Justin Scarr
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Funder: Australian Government
OpenAlex ID: W4409205641