What is Swim to School Week?
Swim to School Week is a nationwide initiative that aims to promote water safety in schools and early learning centres. It is held during the first week of December to align with the start of the high-risk summer season.
Created by Kingswim in partnership with the Y, Swim to School Week is in its inaugural year and forms part of a wider initiative to ensure all Australian families learn more about water safety and head into a safer summer.
By joining Swim to School Week, you are helping ensure your community is safer this summer.
Here's everything you need to run Swim to School Week
1. Promote the event at your school
We’ve created a newsletter, flyer, posters and social media tiles to help you promote Swim to School Week.
2. Simple activities (coming soon)
We'll supply you with age-appropriate activities tailored for ELCs, Kinders, Grades 1-2, and Grades 3-6.
Activities will include quizzes, short educational videos, songs and more!
3. Raise money for swimming lessons
Your school can request a gold coin donation for Y Open Doors, which provides disadvantaged young people and groups in the local community with access to swimming lessons.
Register your school today
It's easy to participate in Swim to School Week. Simply submit the form below and we'll send you everything you need, including our activities and resources once they're available.
FAQs
General information
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Who runs Swim to School Week?
Swim to School week is part of the Safe Summer Partnership, an initiative of the Y and Kingswim. The initiative aims to amplify important water safety messages at the start of summer to help children and families stay safer.
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Who can participate?
All early learning centres, kindergartens and primary schools across Australia can participate.
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When does Swim to School Week take place?
This year, Swim to School Week is 1-5 December 2025.
Activities and resources
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What types of activities are included?
- Swim to School Day: Students ‘swim to school’ by dressing in fun, colourful beach-themed gear and accessories to spark conversation and raise awareness around water safety. (Please note: Wearing bathers is discouraged to maintain child-safe practices and ensure all students feel comfortable).
- Parent resources: Our resources feature key water safety information and simple, practical activities that families can do together at home to reinforce safe behaviours around water.
- Gold coin donation: We encourage schools to fundraise for Y Open Doors to fund swimming lessons for disadvantaged children. Schools can also fundraise for local initiatives.
- Kingswim prizes: Schools affiliated with a Kingswim School Swimming Program will be eligible to receive prizes for their participation in Swim to School Week.
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Are there resources for teachers?
Yes. Participating schools receive a resource pack including activity guides, digital posters, parent information, and links to water safety programs from leading organisations.
Participation and support
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Is there a cost to participate?
No, participation is free. Schools may choose to run a gold coin donation on Swim to School Day to support swimming lessons for children in need.
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How can my school register?
Schools can register by filling out the form above. Once you’ve registered, we’ll provide a pack with all the resources you'll need to run the event at your school.
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Can parents get involved?
Absolutely! Parents are encouraged to support their children’s participation and engage with the Parent Water Safety Resources.