Laurie Lawrence: A Lifelong Champion for Kids Alive and Water Safety Education

At 83, Laurie Lawrence remains an unstoppable force in Australian swimming and water safety. Recently appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List, Laurie is recognised for his distinguished service to water safety education—especially his tireless work in reducing childhood drownings through education and advocacy.

While he’s known to many for coaching Olympic gold medallists, Laurie’s most profound legacy lies in helping save the lives of Australia’s youngest swimmers through his Kids Alive – Do the Five program and his lifelong passion for infant swimming.

Kids Alive – Do the Five

Laurie’s Kids Alive – Do the Five initiative delivers a simple but powerful message

1
Fence the pool
2
Shut the gate
3
Teach your kids to swim
4
Supervise
5
Learn how to resuscitate

This national campaign has significantly contributed to the decline in under-five drownings across Australia. It continues to serve as a trusted resource for families, schools, and communities, promoting vital safety habits from the earliest stages of life.

National Recognition for a National Cause

Laurie's AO honour highlights the critical issue of under-five drownings and his tireless work to combat it. Thanks to Kids Alive, drowning rates among young children in Australia have declined significantly—a trend Laurie hopes will continue through education, resources, and community engagement.

Even now, he remains hands-on, personally engaging with young swimmers, educators, and families. His vibrant personality and boundless energy make each lesson not just informative but fun—ensuring that children associate water with safety, not fear.

New: Interactive Baby Swimming Resource Now Available

Laurie has taken his mission one step further with the release of a new interactive online resource for parents, carers, swim teachers, and health professionals. This unique learning tool builds on the foundation of his 1989 book Sink or Swim, and is the product of over 30 years of passion and research into the benefits of swimming for infants.

💧 “From birth to toddlerhood, swimming can be life-changing—not just for safety, but for brain development, bonding, and physical growth.” — Laurie Lawrence

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What’s Inside the Baby Swimming Resource?

This new online resource is packed with practical knowledge and expert insights, guiding you through every stage of a child’s aquatic development—from birth through toddlerhood. With over 150 videos and more than six hours of engaging content, Laurie walks you through key concepts like breath control, submersion, propulsion, and turning, all explained in a clear and supportive way.

Listen to Laurie speak about this baby resource:

Who Is This Resource Designed For?

Whether you’re a parent preparing for your baby’s first splash or a swim teacher looking to refine your infant programs, this course is for you. It’s also an excellent tool for carers, early childhood educators, school teachers, midwives, and health professionals who want to understand the developmental benefits of swimming for young children.

👉 Click here to explore the resource and purchase today:

🔗 Baby Swimming Resource – World Wide Swim School

No matter your role, if you’re passionate about keeping children safe in and around water—and helping them thrive—this resource will give you the confidence and tools to make a real impact.

Teaching Babies, Empowering Families

Through Kids Alive and the new Baby Swimming resource, Laurie has brought high-quality infant swim education into homes, childcare centres, and swim schools across Australia and beyond. His programs empower parents with the knowledge and confidence to make swimming a positive and safe experience from infancy.

A Lifesaving Legacy

Laurie Lawrence has dedicated his life to helping Australians of all ages feel confident and safe in the water. His passion for teaching infants to swim is rooted in the belief that early aquatic education builds not just survival skills, but strong, happy, resilient children.