What swimming ability must my child show before going in the water?

Question

Accepted Answer

Every junior member takes the club's Junior Preliminary Evaluation for their age group before any water-based activity. SLSA's factsheet (2021/22 edition, the latest national table found) sets these minimums, and clubs may set higher standards but not lower:

Under 6: from a standing position in waist-deep water, a front glide and recover to a secure position; plus a back or front float holding a buoyant aid and recover.
Under 7: a front glide, kick for 3 m and recover; plus a back or front float for a few seconds and recover.
Under 8: 25 m swim (any recognised stroke) and a 1 minute survival float.
Under 9: 25 m swim and 1 minute survival float.
Under 10: 25 m swim and 1.5 minute survival float.
Under 11: 50 m swim and 2 minute survival float.
Under 12: 100 m swim and 2 minute survival float.
Under 13: 150 m swim and 3 minute survival float.

Failing it does not stop a child joining or continuing: a child who does not meet the level needs a higher level of supervision in the water, at the club's discretion. New junior members should have a 1 to 1 water safety ratio during the evaluation; returning members whose ability the club knows can be evaluated at 1 to 5. The 2026 Water Safety Procedure sets a minimum 1 to 5 ratio for junior preliminary swims.

Sources: https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/Age-Groups-Preliminary-and-Competitions-Evaluations-Factsheet.pdf ; https://sls.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/09/Policy-1.01A-Water-Safety-Procedure.pdf