Winter swimming numbers surge as parents embrace year-round safety

Australia’s leading swim school GOswim is celebrating a significant shift in family attitudes towards swimming lessons with a marked reduction in winter suspensions last year – a trend they hope to see continue as we move into this year’s colder months. 

Despite the winter traditionally seeing a drop in swim lesson participation, particularly as families navigate rising cost-of-living pressures, GOswim reported a positive change last year.  

From June to September 2024, only 9% of parents suspended their children’s memberships, a notable drop from 14% during the same period in 2023. This 5% decrease equates to an additional 3,000 students remaining enrolled in their swimming lessons year-round across Australia.

Olympic Gold and Silver Medallist and Belgravia Leisure ambassador Brooke Hanson OLY OAM wholeheartedly agrees with the year-round approach to swimming lessons. 

“As a mother of three, I’ve always been a passionate advocate for year-round swimming lessons for Australian children. With my daughter Matilda in learn to swim and my son Billy in squad I find that swimming throughout the entire year, benefits them greatly. Also, as a proud Austswim ambassador for 15 years, I truly believe the weekly lessons give children confidence to be safer in, on and around water.  

“My tips for parents taking children to swim lessons throughout the colder months is to always make it a fun adventure for your kids, pack extra towels, pyjamas, their ugg boots and beanie, tell them you will make their favourite dinner and always give positive feedback,” Hanson said. 

Cheryl McLennan, Aquatics Expert at Belgravia Leisure attributed this trend to growing awareness of the importance of consistent swimming lessons. 

“Water safety is a year-round concern. The danger of water doesn’t disappear when the weather gets colder, and the decision to pause kid’s lessons during winter can have significant consequences. It’s essential to understand that swimming lessons are not just about learning to swim; they are a crucial component of water safety education.”   

Cheryl continued, “When lessons are interrupted, children can lose the skills they acquired during the summer and autumn months, leading to a regression in abilities and a decrease in water confidence. I’m obviously therefore very pleased in seeing the trend of kids being pulled out over starting to reverse”.  

Research has shown that children who engage in year-round swimming lessons progress at a faster rate compared to those who take a break or only participate seasonally. By maintaining continuity in lessons through the winter, children can continue to consolidate and advance their skills, ensuring that the investment of time and money in swimming lessons is not wasted during the colder months.  

Cheryl also addressed a common misconception: “Contrary to widespread belief, swimming during winter does not increase the risk of colds and the flu. In fact, regular exercise, including swimming, can boost a child’s immunity. It’s vital to take precautions to maintain body warmth when leaving the swimming centre. Ensuring that children are dry and warm and providing them with extra layers helps keep them cosy and minimises the risk of catching a chill”. 

GOswim aims to further promote this message in 2025, encouraging more families to keep their children enrolled regardless of the season.

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