MORE people are learning to swim at Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre than ever before.

The aquatic centre has reported a 25% increase in enrolments for this year's learn-to-swim courses.

Aquatic programs supervisor Jeff Collier said the hike in enrolments was the result of people becoming more aware of water safety.

"Our enrolments have consistently risen each year as more and more people become aware of the great need for children to have water safety skills from a very young age,” Mr Collier said.

"However, there has been a particularly sharp rise this year - by more than 140participants - and this probably has a lot to do with an increase in drownings this summer.

"Increased media attention in these drownings has also left people acutely aware of the need for children to have swimming skills and water safety awareness.”

Mr Collier said it was important for everyone to learn how to swim.

"Classes start for children as young as six months and there is great value in teaching fundamental skills to kids while they are very young,” he said.

"They can learn very quickly and an early introduction sets them on the right track for life, to be competent and comfortable in and around water.”

However, Mr Collier emphasised it was never too late to learn.

The centre is licensed with Austswim, which sets a national benchmark for teacher accreditation and education resources.