The risk of drowning has skyrocketed for young Australians after millions of swimming lessons were missed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Royal Life Saving Australia has issued a startling warning, urging parents to book lessons for pre-teens after data revealed the pandemic's impact on national water safety.

Research released on Thursday claimed the risk of drowning had increased by 1300 per cent for kids aged between 10 and 20.

Drownings for 15 to 20 year olds has also blown out by 34 per cent in the five years since the 2021 pandemic compared to five years prior.

Royal Life Saving Australia estimates about 10 million swimming lessons were missed during COVID-19, creating a bubble of young Australians at risk of drowning as they enter their teenage years.

The nation was now playing ca

See Full Page