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MEDIA CALL | 11-Year-Old Water Safety Champion Joins Olympic Gold Medallist to Launch SWIMSAFER Week

SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia

Key Facts:

SWIMSAFER WEEK 2026 – KEY FACTS

• When: 16–21 November 2026

• Theme: SWIMSAFER Starts with Me
• Key message: Skills Save Lives
• Theme: SWIMSAFER Starts with Me
• Ambassador: Giaan Rooney OAM OLY
• Launch: Monday 16 November, Carlile Holland Park, Brisbane

• Special guest: Archie Patten, young water safety advocate from NSW's Northern Rivers

• Archie's achievement: $13,500 raised to support school swimming lessons

• National drowning toll: 313 deaths in 2025–26, 10% above the 10-year average

• Queensland drowning toll: 80 deaths in 2025–26

• Website: www.swimsafer.org.au

MEDIA RELEASE

One Young Champion. One Olympic Legend. One Water Safety Message.

Giaan Rooney OAM OLY and young changemaker 11 year-old Archie Patten unite to inspire Australians to take action as the nation prepares for summer.

As Australia prepares for another scorching summer, Olympic gold medallist Giaan Rooney OAM OLY is leading a national call to action with the launch of SWIMSAFER Week 2026 (16–21 November), reminding Australians that when it comes to water safety, Skills Save Lives.

Joining Giaan at the official Brisbane launch will be 11-year-old Archie Patten from NSW's Northern Rivers, whose extraordinary efforts to help his classmates access swimming lessons have made national headlines, raising $13,500.His efforts have since inspired Archie's Ripple Effect, encouraging other young leaders to make a difference in their own communities.

Together, they bring this year's campaign theme, “SWIMSAFER Starts with Me,” to life, demonstrating that everyone, from Olympic champions to schoolchildren, has a role to play in creating safer communities around water.

Now, Archie will stand alongside Giaan Rooney, SWIMSAFER Week 2026 Ambassador, and Brendon Ward, CEO of SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia, to share a powerful message with the nation: SWIMSAFER Starts with Me. Skills Save Lives.

The national campaign, running from 16–21 November, encourages individuals, families, swim schools and communities to take an active role in promoting swimming education and water safety.

With summer approaching, the message is particularly important. According to the Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia National Drowning Report 2026, 313 people lost their lives to drowning during 2025–26, a figure 10 per cent above the 10-year average.

In Queensland alone, 80 drowning deaths were recorded, highlighting the ongoing importance of water safety awareness and practical swimming skills.

Archie's story demonstrates that water safety is everyone's responsibility, regardless of age. By identifying a need within his school community and taking action, he has shown that even the smallest initiative can create a lasting ripple of change.

His message aligns with the heart of SWIMSAFER Week 2026: everyone has a role to play in helping Australians develop the skills to enjoy the water more safely. From parents enrolling children in lessons, to teachers building essential skills, to communities supporting access to swimming education, water safety begins with individual action.

The official Brisbane launch will take place at Carlile Swim Holland Park, with Giaan, Archie and local children participating in swimming and water safety activities.

Media will have the opportunity to capture engaging poolside footage, interview campaign representatives and hear first-hand how Archie's initiative is inspiring action beyond his own school.

SWIMSAFER Week 2026 is supported by SWIM Schools Australia members and aquatic educators across the country, reinforcing the importance of learning to swim and developing lifelong water safety skills.

Because swimming is more than a sport. It's a skill that can save a life.

MEDIA LAUNCH & PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Monday 16 November 2026

Location: Carlile Swim Holland Park, 49 Abbotsleigh Street, Holland Park QLD 4121

Event begins: 8.30 am

Media call: 9.00 am

Event concludes: 11.30 am

Available for interviews:

• Giaan Rooney OAM OLY – Olympic Gold Medallist and SWIMSAFER Week Ambassador

• Archie Patten – Young water safety advocate and founder of Archie's Ripple Effect

• Brendon Ward – CEO, SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia

Download SWIMSAFER Week 2026 Broadcast Footage & Media Kit.

About us:

SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM) is dedicated to advancing swimming education, professional development and water safety across Australia.

Through its education programs, professional networks and SWIM Schools Australia members, SWIM supports aquatic educators and swim schools in delivering quality swimming and water safety education.

SWIMSAFER Week is a national awareness initiative encouraging Australians of all ages to develop essential swimming and survival skills and take greater responsibility for safety in and around water.

SWIMSAFER Starts with Me. Skills Save Lives.

Contact details:

MEDIA ENQUIRIES & INTERVIEW BOOKINGS

SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia and New Zealand

Joanne Efendi

Projects & Events

Phone: 0401945045

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.swimsafer.org.au

Media wishing to attend the launch, arrange interviews or access broadcast footage are encouraged to make contact in advance.