SWIMMING and the Southern Downs go hand in hand, which is why it is essential our children know what to do in the water.

The local pastime of heading down to Leslie Dam with the family or swimming in the Rockies shouldn't be taken away from our younger generation because of not giving them a chance to learn how to swim.

Seven-year-old Eve Bradley takes part in term-based swimming lessons with Warwick East State School at the WIRAC pool.

Her mother Gail said the cost of lessons didn't compare to the potential consequences of not knowing how to swim.

"We pay $36 for eight weeks. That is nothing compared to their life if they fall in the water," she said.

"She has started to improve slowly, and the instructors here do a good job. They are very patient with the kids.

"Instructors were amazing with my other daughter, who was a bit shy, but they were always approachable."

The Bradleys live in Thane, where family outings involving being in the water are common.

"We usually go over water. We have picnics and look for water holes.

"There are also dams at home," she said.

"So it is very important she knows how to swim.

"She is very confident in the water, and she loves it."

Mrs Bradley said she comes to watch her daughter swim to offer her support during the lessons.

"I like to support my child, and it helps her to feel safe to know I'm here," she said.

"If she is achieving, she wants me to know she is achieving so I can be proud of her."