:) Do/Can most Australians swim?

Never been to Australia, but I know a lot of people who have, including a woman I used to coach with. The biggest differences, according to her, were: 1) Australian swimmers are more visible. They form power couples, show up on tabloids, etc, much like movie stars would here. And it's not just the #1 swimmer in the world (aka how Phelps is here). 2) Pools are more accessible year round. There are indoor pools, 50m pools, etc. that are open all the time, unlike here where they shut down after labor day, and you have to buy expensive gym memberships. 3) Swimming is a required course in the public schools. So yes, effectively all Australian children can swim. Although, I imagine it's a lot like American PE classes. Sure, everyone runs a mile on Thursdays in gym class, but not everyone does it in under 12 minutes. I'm sure there's some Aussies in here that will correct me if I'm misinformed. Not personal knowledge as it is....

Never been to Australia, but I know a lot of people who have, including a woman I used to coach with. The biggest differences, according to her, were: 1) Australian swimmers are more visible. They form power couples, show up on tabloids, etc, much like movie stars would here. And it's not just the #1 swimmer in the world (aka how Phelps is here). 2) Pools are more accessible year round. There are indoor pools, 50m pools, etc. that are open all the time, unlike here where they shut down after labor day, and you have to buy expensive gym memberships. 3) Swimming is a required course in the public schools. So yes, effectively all Australian children can swim. Although, I imagine it's a lot like American PE classes. Sure, everyone runs a mile on Thursdays in gym class, but not everyone does it in under 12 minutes. I'm sure there's some Aussies in here that will correct me if I'm misinformed. Not personal knowledge as it is....