In response to Royal Life Saving’s recently released data that shows the lifesaving skills of high school students are not up to standard, Belgravia Leisure is urging families to act by enrolling teens with weak swimming skills in a learn to swim program. 

In response to this skill gap, Belgravia Leisure is also offering 180 students at 18 venues across VIC, SA, ACT and NSW a $100 Kickstart to Swim Sponsorship to help families get their teen started in a GOswim Teen Program.  

According to Royal Life Saving Australia, teachers estimate a staggering 84% of 15-16-year-olds are unable to swim 400 metres and tread water for five minutes, a basic lifesaving requirement and the benchmark for 17-year-olds. 

The GOswim Teen Program offers a tailored learn to swim program for students aged between 13 and 17 years of age. The course, which meets national benchmarks for RLSSA, includes water safety and survival skills to reduce incidents in open water environments when teens are with their peers and possibly without supervision. 

There are currently almost 800 teenagers across Australia who are currently learning how to swim in the GOswim Teen Program. 

At Mill Park Leisure Centre in Victoria, demand for teen swimming lessons is soaring, with 29 classes catering to 136 students each week. The program is growing in popularity, with class offerings up 21% from 2024. Carolina Curcic, Aquatic Services Manager, explains how the program has adapted to meet the needs of older beginners. 

“We recognise that teens may feel uncomfortable learning alongside younger children, so we offer lessons in the shallow end of our 25m pool with peers of a similar age. This fosters a supportive and confidence-building environment, ensuring student progress at their own pace.” 

15-year-old student Phoenix Dibarno, a teen beginner at Mill Park Leisure Centre is enjoying the challenge of his weekly learn to swim class. His mother Simonette Dibarno explains that Phoenix didn’t have the opportunity to learn with his school. 

“I just assumed that learning to swim was a part of the school curriculum, but unfortunately this wasn’t the case. I’m so pleased that Phoenix is now picking up these skills so quickly, and I can see that he’s already so much more confident not only in the pool but also at the lake and the beach.” 

Dr Justin Scarr, RLSS Australia CEO is shocked at the worrying data reflecting the lack of teenager’s swimming skills. 

“Our report on declining children’s swimming skills is a wakeup call. I was shocked to learn that 39% of year 10 students can’t reach the primary school benchmark – swim 50m and float for 2 minutes. Poor swimming skills put them at significant risk of missing out on the many benefits that being able to swim affords, making them highly vulnerable to drowning as young adults.  

“It’s alarming to see so many children missing out. We risk creating a generation with extremely poor swimming skills. Coordinated investments are needed to boost the swimming and lifesaving skills of children and young people, especially those aged 10-14 years who can’t yet swim 50 metres, before it’s too late,” concluded Dr Scarr.  

Cheryl McLennan, Belgravia Leisure Aquatics Specialist, highlights the importance of engaging teens in innovative ways. 

“Traditional swimming programs have focused on younger children, but with rising drowning rates among teens and young adults, we need to rethink our approach. The GOswim Teen program not only builds competency in the water but also opens doors to potential aquatic careers as lifeguards or swim teachers. 

“With drowning statistics on the rise, now is the time to prioritise swimming education for teens. The GOswim Teen Program is more than just a lesson—it’s a lifesaving opportunity”, concluded Ms McLennan. 

The GOswim Teen Program is on offer across Belgravia Leisure managed venues in, NSW, SA, ACT and VIC. To make the most of this limited time offer at a venue near you and empower your teen with the skills they need to stay safe in the water, register your interest at $100 Kickstart towards Teen GOswim Lessons.

Venues offering a $100 Kickstart to Swim Sponsorship* 

*no joining fee and four weeks FREE, valued at $100 

Gungahlin Leisure Centre (ACT), Lakeside Leisure Centre (ACT), Stromlo Leisure Centre (ACT), Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre (NSW), Great Lakes Aquatic Leisure Centre (NSW), Inverell Aquatic Centre (NSW), Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre (NSW), Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre (NSW), Lakeside Leisure Centre (NSW), Whitlam Leisure Centre (NSW), Wollondilly Community Leisure Centre (NSW), The Rex Barossa (SA), Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre (VIC), Knox Leisureworks (VIC), Mill Park Leisure (VIC), Swan Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre (VIC), Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre (VIC), WaterMarc (VIC), Whittlesea Swim Centre (VIC), Yawa Aquatic Centre (VIC).

T+Cs

• Offer is available from Monday 24th March – Sunday 20th April or earlier if allocation is exhausted.
• Enrolments into existing positions in classes only.

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