As winter draws closer, and the weather is colder some parents consider hitting pause on their child’s swimming lessons. Taking your child to swimming lessons on the colder days is less appealing than during the summer months, and they can just pick up where they left off in a few months, right?

Well, actually no, probably not!

Swimming, like any skill, needs consistent practice for progress to be made. Without regular practice your child’s swimming skills diminish, and confidence dips, meaning that come springtime they’re starting all over again!

When you consider how much time most of us spend around water during spring and summer —whether it’s the beach, a pool, a river or a dam—winter should really be the time that we are making sure our children are learning and practicing water survival skills!

Here are some compelling reasons why you should continue your child’s swimming lessons year-round.

It Could Save Their Life

New Royal Lifesaving research highlights further declines in children’s swimming skills, with almost half of year 6 students unable to swim 50 metres or tread water for 2 minutes—key national benchmarks for basic safety. This alarming trend continues into high school, with teachers estimating that a staggering 84% of 15–16-year-olds are unable to swim 400 metres and tread water for 5 minutes.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children under 5 in Australia. But, of course, it’s not just little ones that are at risk. Drowning rates spike between ages 10-20 when kids become more independent and often overestimate their abilities in the water. Ongoing lessons reinforce survival skills, water safety knowledge and confident responses in an emergency.

Taking a break from lessons, even for a few months, can result in significant skill loss. Especially in younger children.

It Builds Physical Strength and Endurance

Swimming is a total body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, lung capacity, muscle tone, coordination and flexibility. Ongoing classes can help kids gradually build endurance and confidence in the water.

It Enhances Mental Focus and Brain Development

Research shows that swimming isn’t just good for the body—it’s great for the brain too! Research shows that regular swimming lessons have been linked to improved memory, better focus, and stronger problem-solving skills.

It Supports Emotional Wellbeing

Swimming provides a calm, sensory-rich environment that can help reduce anxiety and build confidence. Mastering new techniques and achieving goals can give kids a real boost to their self-esteem too.

Consistency is Key

Swimming isn’t a one-and-done skill. Children need the opportunity to practise and progress their swimming and water survival skills regularly.

“Regular formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%—which is huge!” explains Mark Cecil, CEO of Paul Sadler’s Swimland. “But to maintain that level of safety and skill, consistency is key. That’s why it’s so important that kids continue lessons all year round, especially in the winter months when it might be their only exposure to the water.”

According to studies from the Australian Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Reports, children who pause swimming lessons for six months or more can lose up to 50% of their previously learned skills, emphasising the need for consistent practice to retain water safety knowledge.

So, don’t let the cooler months throw a spanner in your child’s swimming routine. Accidents can happen at any time of the year, and ongoing lessons can help keep your child’s reflexes sharp and their instincts ready, so that they can be a stronger and safer swimmer.

So pack a fluffy towel, a warm hoodie and some trackies for them to slip into when they get out of the pool, and a flask of hot chocolate as a post-swimming treat, and you’ve got yourself the perfect winter routine!

Visit Paul Sadler’s Swimland website