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AUSTSWIM 2015
Industry Update
& Forum
HELD ON
26 March 2015
Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club,
West Ryde NSW
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
AUSTSWIM’s vision is that every Australian will be taught to swim by an AUSTSWIM Licenced Teacher, enabling them
to safely enjoy aquatic environments and activities. We believe that working through a strong collaborative effort this is
achievable. To accomplish this we need to engage our industry partners, including you!
With a range of new programs and projects being undertaken over the past 12 months, along with a number of projects
that will be rolled out over the next 12 months, the AUSTSWIM NSW Business Centre took the opportunity to invite
members of the swimming and water safety industry to come together and receive an update on these projects and
programs and find out how they can be involved. It was also the perfect time to update the industry on a number of
changes that have been occurring at AUSTSWIM as a whole.
NSW Water Safety Black Spot Fund
The NSW Government through the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services pledged $8 million over 4 years with
$2 million available each financial year from 2011–2012 to 2014–2015. The object of the Fund is to reduce the rate of
drowning deaths in NSW. To do this the Fund will provide additional funding for water safety initiatives that focus on
known Black Spots.
Black Spots include:
• High risk geographic location for drowning or near drowning;
• High risk population group for drowning or near drowning (for example persons with a disability); or
• High risk activity for drowning or near drowning (for example rock fishing)
AUSTSWIM WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO RECEIVE FUNDING FOR A RANGE OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS.
Gordon Mallett
Chief Executive Officer
AUSTSWIM
Funded by the NSW Government under the Water Safety Black Spot Fund
The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSW Government
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
1
AUSTSWIM Update
Forum
Networking and information updates abounded at the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club for AUSTSWIM’s forum in
March 2015. If you missed the event or perhaps want to refresh on all the information, here’s your chance to view it all
at your leisure.
AUSTSWIM Happenings
Collaboration
Collaboration and cooperation with our NSW course providers and partner organisations continue to provide
opportunities for regional and remote communities to undertake AUSTSWIM training, accreditation and licensing.
The NSW organisations of Royal Life Saving Society, the Department of Education and AUSTSWIM have proved to be a
successful combination in swimming and water safety education.
SplashOut! ‘14
Regional and Metro aquatic professionals took advantage of the learning, networking and interaction opportunities on
offer at AUSTSWIM’s 2014 SplashOut! Conferences in Wagga Wagga and Wahroonga. Check out the sessions on offer
at this year’s Soak It Up events. AUSTSWIM ensures professional development is made available to AUSTSWIM
Teachers in both regional and metropolitan locations.
Tailored Service Training

Would you like an injection of vigour, vitality, new ideas and learning for your aquatic and customer service team?
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Is scheduling updated training and professional development challenging?
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Does travel or difficulty with appropriate course calendars eat away at your team’s training opportunities?
YES! YES! YES!
AUSTSWIM’s tailored service is the solution for your ‘difficult to organise’ training. It’s simple – you provide the training
facility and water space, discuss your ideas and needs and we’ll come to you with one of our experienced and skilled
Presenters on the day and time of your choosing. A minimum of 8 people is all that’s required. We can provide
AUSTSWIM Teacher training courses or Professional Development Workshops.
Conditions apply for Tailored Services – give the AUSTSWIM NSW Business Centre a call to find out more on
1300 885 666 or email nsw@austswim.com.au
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
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Farewells and Welcomes
With a very big thank you and our very best wishes we say a fond farewell to two of our team members as they broaden
their horizons in new fields of adventure. Thank you Melissa Savage and Jacquelyn Wynd for your commitment and
support at AUSTSWIM.
And it’s a very big and hearty hello as we welcome our newest professionals who will assist and support our
AUSTSWIM Teachers. Next time you’re on the phone or email say ‘hello’ to:
• Robyn Larkham – AUSTSWIM NSW Project Officer
• Elissa Rowston – AUSTSWIM NSW Customer Service Officer.
AUSTSWIM Specials
15 for 15 Promotion
AUSTSWIM NSW conducted a successful education and training campaign which ended in March 2015. The promotion
encouraged community members to secure an opportunity to enhance and extend their knowledge and skills for an
effective aquatic career pathway. Candidates booked into two AUSTSWIM courses and received 15% off their second
booking.
The range of courses on offer included AUSTSWIM Teacher of:
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Swimming and Water Safety
Infant and Preschool Aquatics
Access and Inclusion
Adults
Towards Competitive Strokes
AUSTSWIM Projects Making a Difference
Working collaboratively with the NSW Ministry for Police and Emergency Services, several Water Safety Black Spot
Projects, developed and implemented by AUSTSWIM, are having a positive impact in enhancing swimming and water
safety education in NSW communities.
AUSTSWIM Indigenous Support
Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Training 2014–2015
Bomaderry, Blue Mountains, Coffs Harbour, Crescent Head, Port Macquarie, Wollongong, Griffith, Sydney and Dubbo
hosted courses specifically designed and tailored to train indigenous community members to progress to become
AUSTSWIM Teachers. Local community facilities provide support and mentoring to assist our indigenous candidates
to complete the workplace-based elements of the AUSTSWIM course. Once again, collaboration with community and
AUSTSWIM creates a winning solution for all involved.
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
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Indigenous Swimming and Water Safety Lessons
NSW Ministry for Police and Emergency Services funding has supported AUSTSWIM in securing swimming and water
safety lessons for 3,000 indigenous students across NSW. Regions hosting the lessons include Bomaderry, Blue
Mountains, Coffs Harbour, Crescent Head, Port Macquarie, Wollongong, Griffith, Sydney and Dubbo.
Like to know how you can support the indigenous or culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)community in your local
area? Contact AUSTSWIM today on: 1300 885 666 or nsw@austswim.com.au
CALD Communities – Professional Development Workshop Series
A new series of professional development workshops will
soon be available for AUSTSWIM Teachers.
Our growing CALD communities are the focus for
this series that is designed to enhance the teacher’s
knowledge and understanding of water safety education
essentials for members of our CALD communities.
The series will be presented between May and July
2015 and offer subsidised attendance and professional
education hours toward licence renewal. Interested?
Email your contact details as your expression of interest
to attend or host an AUSTSWIM CALD Workshop to:
nsw@austswim.com.au
Rip Current Awareness
AUSTSWIM Teachers educate students by imparting knowledge, skill and their
understanding of aquatic environments. AUSTSWIM NSW supports and assists
teachers through workshops and educational resources. A series of Rip Current
Awareness workshops upskilled many teachers across NSW and we are excited
to announce the development and distribution of an excellent educational
resource, namely The Rip Current Activity Guide.
This quality resource has been provided, on a complimentary basis, to over
200 NSW centres that are AUSTSWIM Recognised.
We’d love to receive your feedback on the resource; just drop us an email at nsw@austswim.com.au and let us know
how you’re using the activity guide.
If you’re not an AUSTSWIM Recognised Centre visit the website and do the math – there are heaps of benefits
http://www.austswim.com.au/Swimcentres/SwimCentreRecognition/LevelsandBenefits.aspx
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
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All Kinds of Water Activity (AKWA)
AUSTSWIM continues to diversify and extend its
programs, services and career pathway options for
aquatic professionals.
What is it? AKWA is a program for the over 55’s
led by qualified aqua instructors aged 45 years
plus. With an ageing and fitter population,
AUSTSWIM is innovative in promoting activity
and employment for this age group. The
training will be subsidised for the instructor and
12 introductory classes will be subsided for each
participant – a win-win and win for the centre.
More information will be flowing your way soon.
If you’re over 45 years of age, from a CALD
community and keen to become a WETS
Instructor, then register at wets@austswim.com.au
AUSTSWIM Lends a Hand
The Rainbow Club provides swimming and water safety lessons to children with a disability; there are 15 clubs
throughout NSW. This year AUSTSWIM supported the organisation with:
• subsidised AUSTSWIM Teacher training
• 2,000 subsidised lessons for families identified as experiencing hardship
• equipment purchases to assist clubs in providing lessons.
AUSTSWIM – A quality point of difference
• Teaches water safety – a skill for life.
• 30 years’ experience in training, accreditation, licensing and professional development.
• The industry standard for swimming and water safety teachers, delivered and recognised both nationally
and internationally.
• Recognised and collaboratively working with strategic industry partners:
• Royal Life Saving Australia
• Surf Life Saving Australia
• Australian Swimming
• State, Territory and Federal Governments
• The industry’s peak body for teachers of swimming and water safety.
• No annual membership fee.
Inclusive and comprehensive insurance – because we care what happens to teachers, the AUSTSWIM Teacher Licence
includes an insurance component. If you ever volunteer, work under contract or happen to teach a family member, then
this cover is invaluable. • Training – it’s true, our comprehensive courses are longer than those of some other providers and we’re proud of that!
We provide our course candidate with extensive face-to-face access to AUSTSWIM experienced course Presenters
who share their wealth of industry knowledge and experience; they undertake a rigorous mentoring process to
prepare candidates for the workplace experience, not merely to gain the units of competency.
• Standards, Best Practice and Regulations. An AUSTSWIM Licence is industry best practice. Accreditation and
Licensing of the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety is cited as industry best practice in the
Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation – a resource managed by Royal Life Saving on behalf of the aquatic and water
safety industry.
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
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AUSTSWIM Launches the Learning Pillars Framework
AUSTSWIM Learning Pillars are a framework to
ensure quality for accreditation and education.
The standard is high; we are committed to
implementing an effective structure and process to
reduce drowning, the impact of aquatic accidents
and strive for safer swimming and water safety.
AUSTSWIM has developed this framework to
guide, direct and support teachers in the delivery of
educational programs and services.
AUSTSWIM Learning Pillars
K N O W L E D G E + S K I L L + U N D E R S TA N D I N G = C O M P E T E N C E
KNOWLEDGE
SKILL
UNDERSTANDING
• Aquatic information
• Water safety
• Personal Competence
• Diversity of body shape & movement • Problem solving
• Environmental conditions
• Acquisition based on practice &
ability
• Experience
• Thought & inquiry
• Propulsion
• Decision making
• Consequence
• Empowerment
COMPETENCE, confidence, control, consistency
AUSTSWIM Curriculum Principles AUSTSWIM Learning Pillars
Problem solve and make decisions
The diversity of the aquatic environment
Water safety skills with swimming strokes
Experience a range of body shapes, form and movement in water
AUSTSWIM Activity Principles
Water safety and swimming activity principles ensure consistent, quality presentation of educationally sound activities
with defined theoretical and practical learning outcomes. The Activity Principles form part of a quality checklist when
combined with AUSTSWIM’s learning pillars.
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
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Everyone Involved
Every participant has the opportunity and is able to participate in the activity at their level of knowledge, skill and
understanding.
Group Participation and Supervision
No-one waits for a turn. Activities are structured and presented to ensure full group participation at all times. Activities
are structured and presented to ensure the teacher has full visual contact of all participants throughout the activity.
Open Area Water Space
Participants are provided with the opportunity to experience activity away from pool walls, lane ropes, steps and ladders
(except in circumstances of specific activity requirements).
Maximum Feel of Water
Activity areas are varied ensuring a range of water conditions and movements are experienced, including:
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turbulence
current
flow
depth
pressure and resistance.
Maximum Change of Body Position
Confidence and comfort in aquatic environments develops from opportunities to experience a wide range of body
positions including:
• balance through stillness and motion;
• rotation through a range of positions from vertical to horizontal;
• rotation through a range of body shapes from:
– Wide – Thin – Curled – Stretched – Back, prone and side
• body steering;
• opportunities to develop control through unexpected motion and purposeful movement.
Movement Combination
Activity ensures participant’s experience a range of movement, immobility and motion transition including:
• Propulsion
• Buoyancy
•Stillness
• Breath control
AUSTSWIM Training Information Update
Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
Other courses
Workplace Training Log – candidates complete this to verify
their practical training experience.
Towards Competitive Strokes
Is currently being reviewed and updated
There are NO set hour requirements for workplace-based
training. The minimum/ maximum time is enforced by
workplace supervisors in consultation with the candidate.
Teacher of Adults
Is currently under review and is now presented as a one day
course
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
AUSTSWIM offers a streamlined pathway to recognising prior learning and current competency. Check out the website
for full details at: http://www.austswim.com.au/Training/RecognitionofPriorLearning/australian-teachers
Did you know that RPL applications can be claimed for:
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Towards Competitive Strokes
Infant and Preschool Aquatics
Access and Inclusion
Acknowledgement of international learning and/or other training providers.
NSW SplashOut! – Soak It Up 2015 Conferences
SplashOut! 15 Regional Conference
Sunday 12 April 2015 – Club Narooma, Narooma
SplashOut! 15 Metropolitan Conference
Sunday 28 June 2015 – Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga
This year the NSW metropolitan conference will have an AQUA specific stream in the name of the renowned
AquaSummit! Come along, join in the fun and get a taste of what it’s all about.
Soak It Up – AUSTSWIM National Conference
Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2015 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
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More Valuable Information
Working With Children Checks (WWCC)
A Working With Children Check is a prerequisite for anyone in child-related work. It involves a
national criminal history check and review of findings of workplace misconduct. Since June 2013, all
new employees and volunteers are obliged to provide employers/volunteer organisations with their
verified WWCC Number.
AUSTSWIM values such a system that protects all children in our care and as a consequence will be phasing in the
requirement of a WWCC for all AUSTSWIM candidates as well as licensed teachers. Phase 1 commenced in April
2015 through to 31 March 2016. This will allow candidates already enrolled in an AUSTSWIM course the necessary
time to apply for and receive a WWCC. Phase 2 will commence in April 2016 and we will notify all candidates to have
the WWCC prior to enrolling. Communication to all employers and new candidates has already commenced and will
continue on a regular basis. Employers are reminded to check, verify and record WWCC for all AUSTSWIM Teachers and
volunteers. Candidates are responsible for paying for this check and can access the application via the website:
http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/working-with-children/working-with-children-check/resources
For further information on WWCC visit:
www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au
Federal Government Requirement – Unique Student Identifier
In January 2015, the Federal Government introduced new requirements for training organisations.
Prior to issuing a statement of attainment, students must provide and have verified a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
number. AUSTSWIM has advised course candidates of this requirement, however, please be aware that without this we
are unable to issue successful candidates with their AUSTSWIM licence. The process is simple and straightforward.
For further information and to register for a USI visit http://www.usi.gov.au/
Aquatic Recreation Institute (ARI)
ARI is the professional association of Aquatic and Recreation practitioners and businesses, providing
support, direction, and networking opportunities for all who are involved in sport and leisure services.
ARI members are engaged and connected with the industry; membership is a great way of staying in
touch with all that’s happening in the wonderful world of aquatics. For more information on ARI visit the
website at: www.aquaticinstitute.com.au
Become a member of ARI and attend their informative conference. A great opportunity to network with
the best of the best in NSW and gain valuable up to date industry skills and knowledge. The ARI Annual Conference will
be held in the Hunter Valley on 15 and 16 June 2015. Let’s support the Hunter Valley and the Aquatic Industry.
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
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Look who was recognised with an AUSTSWIM Award in 2014
Congratulations to the 2014 AUSTSWIM NSW Award Recipients who have been recognised for their commitment
and support of AUSTSWIM as dedicated professionals in swimming and water safety education. We celebrate their
contribution to the aquatic industry.
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Susan Taha
Lesley Richardson
Sharon Surr
Karen Martin
Dolphins Swim School
Ranay Kennerley Maureen Summerhayes Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics
Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion
Teacher of Adults
AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre
AUSTSWIM Melissa van Poppel Presenter of the Year
Most Outstanding Contribution to AUSTSWIM
Nominations for the 2015 awards open in June, so check out the easy nomination process online and let’s acknowledge
an AUSTSWIM champion.
The 2015 NSW Water Safety Awards and NSW AUSTSWIM Awards Presentation Dinner will be held on Friday
18 September 2015 at the Le Montage Events Centre, Lilyfield NSW. It’s a great opportunity to network with the industry
in a social setting and celebrate the contributions of the nominees.
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
AUSTSWIM NSW BUSINESS CENTRE
34/10 Gladstone Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154
PO Box 6241 Baulkham Hills BC NSW 2153
Phone (02) 9894 2077 or 1300 885 666
Fax (02) 8078 4254
nsw@austswim.com.au
austswim.com.au
Jared Wilson
General Manager – Program Delivery
jwilson@austswim.com.au
Shana Pawlak
Coordinator – NSW Business Centre
spawlak@austswim.com.au
Robyn Larkham
Project Officer
rlarkham@austswim.com.au
Elissa Rowston
Customer Service Officer
nsw@austswim.com.au
AUSTSWIM would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the
New South Wales Government for their ongoing and valuable support.
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum
AUSTSWIM 2015 Industry Update & Forum