A new report by Royal Life Saving Australia has found nearly half of year 6 students are currently below the national benchmark for swimming and water safety skills at their age.

The report has prompted concerns about the increased drowning risks for kids who can’t swim, and Royal Life Saving Australia has called for urgent action towards improving their swimming abilities.

The report comes after 104 people lost their lives to drowning this summer, which was a 5 per cent increase from the previous summer in Australia.

Image: Image: Unsplash – April Walker

Produced By: Jessica O’Bryan

Featured In Story: Stacey Pidgeon, National Manager of Research and Policy at Royal Life Saving Australia

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 19 March 2025