The National Swimming and Water Safety Framework’s ultimate goal is to increase the swimming and water safety skills of all Australians for lifelong safe and active participation in physical aquatic activities and recreation. It sets out a core structure to enable people to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and behaviours they need to enjoy a range of aquatic environments safely.

The Framework is intended for those that influence the learning opportunities and experiences for swimming and water safety education and guides those responsible for developing, providing or selecting a swimming and water safety program.

The Framework provides three benchmarks for children at age 6, 12 and 17 years. It aims to inform Government policy makers and swim schools, but is an important resource for parents to understand the lifelong benefits that learning to swim provides.

National Benchmarks

• Minimum Competencies by 6 years of age
• Minimum Competencies by 12 years of age
• Minimum Competencies by 17 years of age

Framework Stages

• Fundamental
• Acquisition
• Application