The new rules, rushed in after a schoolboy was rescued during a carnival in Canberra’s south earlier this year, prevent children from taking to the water until they can prove some level of swimming skill.

But the policy has led schools to cancel swim events and worried groups like the Royal Life Saving Society who worry it will lead to fewer Canberra children learning to swim.

Under the policy, students are not allowed to take part in school swimming activities until they pass a swimming competency test.

But Education Minister Joy Burch says that the policy will now be reviewed with education officials with the views of schools, parents and life-saving and swimming groups to be sought.

"This policy is about trying to find the right balance between how do we ensure to the best we can that children are safe at a water activity but at the same time making sure that kids are encouraged to participate," the minister told ABC radio on Tuesday.