Council making waves in tackling national water safety issue

Published on 12 September 2025

making-waves

Frankston City Council is stepping up to tackle one of Australia’s growing challenges – declining swimming skills among children* – committing an additional $75,000 to the Can Swim program in the 2025–26 ‘Stronger Together’ Annual Budget.

The funding, delivered through Council’s $1.7 million Local Support Package (LSP), ensures vulnerable community members, particularly in Frankston North and Carrum Downs, have access to free swimming and water safety programs.

This also follows the overwhelming success of the program in its first year.

Delivered in partnership with Peninsula Leisure, Can Swim is already transforming lives. Key outcomes for 2024-25 include:

  • 3,330 touchpoints through classroom, pool and beach-based programs.
  •  Over 2,000 primary school children participated.
  • 97% of participants finished with more confidence in their water safety knowledge and skills.
  • Six out of seven programs showed 100% improvement across four key learning objectives.

Mayor Cr Kris Bolam JP said the initiative is about breaking down barriers and giving everyone the chance to learn an essential life skill.

“Swimming isn’t a luxury, it’s a fundamental skill that saves lives, and as a coastal community, Council has an even greater responsibility to support as many people as possible to access learn to swim services,” he said.

“Unfortunately, during COVID, we saw a whole generation miss out on swimming lessons. So now we are really doubling down on our efforts, extending funding for the Can Swim program for another year.

“The great news is that the program isn’t just for kids – 34 participants aged over 65 participated last year – proving it’s never too late to learn.”

Peninsula Leisure CEO Kath Thom said her organisation had been working hard to reach more of the community who otherwise may have missed out on vital water safety education.

“With Council’s support, we are so proud to continue this life-saving work into the second year. We are seeking interested community groups who would like to work with us to design a program tailored to their groups’ needs.”

For more information about upcoming Can Swim programs: Can Swim - Peninsula Leisure

New sessions for Term 4, 2025 and Term 1, 2026 will be added soon.

Community groups interested in participating can email: can.swim@peninsulaleisure.com.au

Feedback from participants and instructors:

“One of my adult participants nearly cried when she managed to get herself swimming independently.” – Gemma B, PARC swim teacher.

“Not only have I been able to learn new skills, I have now made lifelong friends with people in my class.” – Adult Can Swim participant

“We are so thankful for this opportunity. It has helped remove a financial barrier for us and given our students more water safety awareness and knowledge.” – Classroom teacher

“Can you do these more often? She’s never been so excited for swimming.” – Parent of Teen

*Royal Life Saving Australia’s 2025 2025 Children’s Swimming & Water Safety Skills: Teacher and Parent Perceptions Report underscores the gap in swimming and water safety: https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/news/winter-is-where-safer-swimmers-are-made/

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