It’s easy to assume most adults know how to swim. The truth? Not even close.
Swimming proficiency varies wildly around the world—and the numbers might surprise you.

The Global Picture

🌍 World Health Organization estimates that over 360,000 people drown each year. Lack of basic swimming skills is a major factor.

🧍 In some countries, over half of adults can’t swim 25 metres without stopping.

🏖️ Vacation drownings remain a serious concern for non-swimming adults who overestimate their abilities.

Swimming by Country (Estimated Adult Proficiency Rates):

• USA 🇺🇸: ~56% of adults are "water competent"
• Canada 🇨🇦: ~52% can’t pass a basic swim test (Red Cross)
• UK 🇬🇧: About 1 in 5 adults can’t swim
• China 🇨🇳: Fewer than 40% of adults can swim confidently
• Nordic countries (like Sweden & Norway): Over 85% swim proficiently (thanks to strong public education)

Why the Gap?

1. Cultural emphasis on water safety
2. Access to pools and swim lessons
3. Fear and traumatic experiences in childhood
4. Economic barriers to learning

In Conclusion: Adult non-swimmers aren’t rare—they’re the norm. However, age is not a factor when it comes to learning how to swim.

At Swim Lessons Toronto, we specialize in adult learn-to-swim.

Whether you're starting from zero or refining your skills, we meet you at your level—with guaranteed results.