Editor’s View: State dives into swim audit – but only after push

It’s great that the state government is going to review our school swimming programs but it only comes after inconsistencies were exposed, writes The Editor.

The state government should be applauded for its decision to conduct a full review of Queensland’s school swimming programs.

But it should be noted the move comes after days of mounting pressure from The Courier-Mail, which exposed major inconsistencies with the program that mean some children are missing out on the crucial and potentially lifesaving education.

In fact on the first day of this newspaper’s Save Our Schoolkids SOS2 campaign the government blatantly denied there was a problem with the implementation of the policy.

Education Minister Grace Grace. Picture: NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Education Minister Grace Grace issued a statement on Tuesday saying she would like to “reassure families that swimming lessons are already compulsory in all Queensland state primary schools”.

But on Sunday afternoon, after a week of campaigning by The Courier-Mail – with backing from high-profile Queenslanders including Steve Titmus, Laurie Lawrence and Dawn Fraser – the government announced it would order a full review of the state’s school swimming program.

“Importantly, we will make sure that state primary school students are taking part in classroom-based theory and practical lessons in the water, as is laid out in the program,” acting premier Steven Miles said.

“Queensland children grow up surrounded by water. Whether they’re around backyard pools, beautiful beaches or rivers and creeks, water safety is paramount for young people.”

It is hoped that a swift audit can identify and close some of the disturbing gaps that are letting down our schoolchildren and placing them at risk.

Of the state’s 84 drowning deaths in the year to June 2022, 16 of those were aged 17 or under.

One child drowning is one too many and we must all work together to ensure our kids are equipped with water safety skills to keep them safe.

We urge the government to now stick to its timeline and complete the vital audit by the end of February.