Free swimming lessons announced as NSW hits highest nationwide drowning toll

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People most at risk of drowning can learn how to swim for free under a new scheme after data showed the state has the highest drowning death toll in the country.

The free swimming lessons are being provided to individuals from low-income backgrounds, multicultural communities, Indigenous Australians and people living in rural areas.

The NSW government said recent drowning statistics showed the previous approach wasn't effective, with people born overseas and from disadvantaged areas being most at risk of drowning.

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The plan will offer up to 10 free lessons to make sure residents, including kids and adults, get to know the basics of swimming and how to stay safe in the water.

What areas are eligible for the free learn-to-swim program?

Areas in Sydney featured in the program include Parramatta, Blacktown, Smithfield, Sutherland, Auburn, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Penrith, Cumberland, Roselands, Villawood and Birrong.

Across New South Wales, residents in Gosford, the Central Coast, the Hunter Region, the North Coast, the Central West, Orana, and the Far West will be eligible.

The program will also be available for residents in the River Murray area, the South East and Tablelands, and the Illawarra Shoalhaven region.

NSW learn-to-swim website. 



The swim program will kick off in the coming months, with numerous service providers across Sydney and New South Wales.

Bookings aren't available just yet, but you can get in touch with your local provider to find out when registrations will be open.

New South Wales worst in the country for drownings

New South Wales has recorded 34 fatal drownings during the 2024-25 summer season to date, making it the state with the most drowning deaths across the nation.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven region had the highest number of fatal drownings, with six reported, followed closely by south-west Sydney with four, the Mid North Coast with four and Northern NSW with four, as per Royal Life Saving Australia.

Other areas had between two or three drownings within the same time period.

The Australian Royal Surf Lifesaving Society stated that the program was a "critical" investment in water safety.

This will have a lasting impact on communities in need, says CEO Michael Ilinsky.

After a tough summer, this initiative makes sure more people - especially those who are at risk - get valuable water safety skills for good.

Picking up swimming is a vital skill for life.

This government funding will give many people their first taste of aquatic activities, setting them up for a lifetime of enjoying water sports and activities safely.

Across the country, the death toll from drowning has reached 97.