Sydenham Street Swimming School

15/04/2026

This is a post from the Australian Swim Teachers Network

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Declining swimming ability in our kids is becoming a real concern.
Many children are not reaching basic water safety benchmarks. A recent Royal Life Saving Australia report found that around 48% of Year 6 students can’t swim 50m or tread water for 2 minutes—and these skills often don’t improve into high school.
In Sweden, primary students must swim 200 metres continuously before moving into high school.
Interesting, isn’t it? We’re known as a nation of swimmers, yet so many of our kids aren’t meeting even the basics.
So where are we falling short?

We have previously mentioned the Swedish benchmark of swimming 200 metres continuously in primary school.

It makes sense-
Most drownings occur within 20 metres of safety.
We expect someone is suddenly immersed in cold water they will only be able to swim 10% of the distance they can swim continuously in the pool.

10% of 200 metres is 20 metres.

Shouldn't it be 400 metres for a margin of safety?

22/03/2026

A great article. National guidelines for swimming ability are far too low. And then to consider that half of children cannot continuously swim far enough to attain that standard is sad. There
are numerous young children in our advanced classes who are reaching the 17 year old National guideline of 400 metres continuous freestyle - 7, 8 year old swimmers. The guidelines should be higher. At the moment they are a licence to drown.

Studies show parents can misjudge how far children can swim and their water safety knowledge.

10/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/184dEkq7EW/

29/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1C3U375TQQ/

03/12/2025

Supervise your kids near water. From the RLSS 2025 drowning report.

12/11/2025

More on the RLSS 2025 Drowning Report-

Julie Sheldrake explains the importance of swimming lessons, and what to expect.

05/11/2025

Not a local article although a similar story could be written about the MOONEE PONDS area.

Get the latest NSW Western Plains news, breaking stories and important updates.

24/08/2025

Have to agree with this post by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance.

It is a myth that floatation aids and floaties keep children safe in the water. Flotation aids develop a false sense of security in both child and parent.

But we would go further.

Floaties and Flotation devices have little benefit in teaching safe swimming. Their use during swim lessons is an unnecessary step, most likely slowing the learning of swimming.

It is not swimming if the learner requires the use of a flotation device.

Whatever the device, it will change the learner’s centre of buoyancy impeding the learning of correct body position for buoyancy.

This is even more important for young babies. Babies develop eye and head movements at first, followed by arm movements and later leg movements. They will use their eyes and head movements to see an object and reach for that object.

Some flotation devices used for babies inhibit head movement and make it impossible for babies to see their arms or legs!

At Sydenham St, independent buoyancy skills are taught first and once the learner realises they can float independently, learning becomes much easier.

From the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance-

22/07/2025

Parents !
How far can you swim?
Not how far you could swim when you were younger. Swimming takes practice. It is not like riding a bike.
Why ask this question? Read the following article - The drowning death of a Hollywood actor holidaying with his family.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/malcolm-jamal-warner-dead-drowning-costa-rica/

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, "The Cosby Show" star, dies at 54 in accidental drowning in Costa Rica
CBSNEWS.COM
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, "The Cosby Show" star, dies at 54 in accidental drowning in Costa Rica
Actor and director Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role on "The Cosby Show," has died.
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Actor and director Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role on "The Cosby Show," has died.

18/07/2025

A message to past students who may be looking for some additional income while studying

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To parents or Grandparents who have discovered that they enjoyed teaching children
We are looking for enthusiastic, responsible and committed people to teach swimming at Sydenham Street. We are prepared to help you gain the necessary qualifications. What we require is a willingness to learn and a positive attitude, a passion for swimming and helping kids.

Why teach swimming at Sydenham St Swimming?

- Flexible shifts Monday to Saturday, Morning and afternoon.
- Assistance with training and qualifications
- Ongoing training to improve your understanding and allow you to further challenge your pupils.
- Small teaching groups allowing you to interact with your class, not just follow a set program
- Opportunity to work in a fun situation with children
- Mineral pool, no chlorine odour

Whether it is one shift or more, if you are at all interested, email or phone the pool to discuss.

02/05/2025