Calls for focus on swimming education after spike in drownings

A former Olympic swimming coach says it’s vital children aged under five are taught how to swim.

It comes after yet another tragic drowning at Lake Nagambie on Tuesday afternoon, where a five-year-old girl was pulled from the water after she was reported missing.

It means that four lives have been lost in Victorian waters since Christmas Day.

Laurie Lawrence told 3AW Mornings that drowning rates have more than doubled since the pandemic in children under five.

“Since the pandemic, drowning rates in that under five, that most vulnerable age group … has gone up 108 per cent,” he told Shane McInnes.

He added that a study he commissioned found that there were huge benefits to starting swimming education early.

“It built their social, emotional, physical and intellectual capital,” he said.

“They’re smarter, they’re better coordinated.

“In fact, by the time they get to Prep … they were up to 10 months ahead of their peers.”

Press PLAY below to hear his reasons

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