Physical education has an important role in students' preparation for lifelong fitness
participation. Since swimming is considered as one of the most beneficial fitness activities,
swimming competencies, including knowledge of safety routines, should be developed
through physical education classes. In order to examine swimming competencies of
elementary and secondary school students, the cross-sectional study was conducted. The
sample consisted of 143 students of both gender (71 elementary school students, 72 secondary
school students). The previously used questionnaire was modified (Moran, 2006) and the data
concerning selfevaluation of swimming skills, safety information resources and life saving
skills are presented. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results suggest that there are
no significant differences between elementary and secondary school students in
selfevaluations of swimming skills, but they differ in safety information resources they use.
Schools fail in their mission to educate and develop students' swimming competencies.