With drowning rates on the rise and summer in full swing, learning how to float is becoming an essential skill for more Australians thanks to the Float to Survive with GOswim campaign.
Following the hugely successful and award-winning inaugural Float to Survive with GOswim campaign last summer, the initiative has yet again landed with impact, with post-campaign survey results of 60,000 GOswim parents showing an 11% increase in their confidence related to their child’s ability to float in open water.
The national campaign, launched in support of drowning prevention efforts alongside Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins of Bondi Rescue fame, also saw significant media attention across the first two weeks of December, raising further awareness of this critical message to locals in Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.
Dedicated social media coverage, more than 115,000 emails sent, compelling in-venue displays and a strong website presence also helped to push the message out far and wide. This drove strong organic views, online engagement rates and website traffic compared to the previous campaign period.
Additionally, over 90% of GOswim teachers reported that the Float to Survive with GOswim campaign was either very or somewhat effective in engaging students.
Sarah Podesta, Aquatics Manager at Belgravia Leisure is thrilled with the results.
“To see this campaign grow and develop over the past two years has been incredibly rewarding, and I’d like to thank the teams on the ground who brought this project to life in the water with our students, where the skill of floating was honed and perfected.
“Seeing so many children grow confident in the water is exactly why we do this work. Ultimately, Float to Survive with GOswim is resonating with families because it gives them a practical skill they can rely on when it matters most.”
Hoppo was also encouraged by such a positive response.
“Through this campaign we’ve put Float to Survive on the map, but this is just the beginning. The more Aussies who learn these steps, the safer our coastlines, rivers and pools will be.”
For the first two weeks of December, more than 250,000 GOswim lessons across nearly 80 locations began with five minutes of float training, based on Hoppo’s five-step Float to Survive strategy:
- Keep your head and mouth above water
- Control your breathing
- Spread your arms and legs for balance
- Use a circular motion to maintain buoyancy
- Signal for help
The initiative was in response to alarming data from Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, which shows Australia has recorded its highest number of drowning deaths since national records began.
The 2025 campaign saw Hoppo begin his tour in Queensland at Burpengary Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre and Lawnton Aquatic Centre. Next up was Victoria at Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre in Bendigo, followed by Ascot Vale Leisure Centre.
Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Zetland, New South Wales, then hosted Hoppo during its annual open day and lastly, Hoppo spent the weekend in the nation’s capital, visiting four Canberra venues including Gungahlin Leisure Centre, Dickson Leisure Centre, Lakeside Leisure Centre and Stromlo Leisure Centre.
The Float to Survive with GOswim campaign was recently recognised by the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA), winning Gold for Marketing and Communications in Victoria and earning national commendation for boosting children’s water safety knowledge and confidence in open water. The success of this campaign highlights the importance of collaboration in improving water safety and saving lives.
GOswim is one of Australia’s leading swimming programs, delivering more than 2.8 million lessons annually to over 62,500 members.
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