Survey of primary schools across Australia: an examination of key water safety issues

Abstract

Water safety education in Australia (including learn-to-swim) is mainly taught at the primary school level. There is increasing concern that water safety education is decreasing. This study aimed to gain a greater understanding of the barriers to provid­ing water safety education in Australia. We surveyed a random sample of primary schools stratified by location, region, and school type. This qualitative survey col­lected information on activities, qualifications, safety issues and measures, and demo­graphics. The four key issues that impacted on the provision and safety of school based water safety education were access to qualified staff, facility access, use of alternative aquatic environments, and the need for a best practice risk management approach. Improving the provision of targeted water safety information and increas­ing the number of people with aquatic qualifications both have the potential to increase the provision and safety of aquatic activity.