Safe Swim Teaching Guidelines

Why is safeguarding children and young people important in swimming lessons?

Safeguarding children and young people is crucial because swimming lessons often require manual handling and close physical interaction between teachers and students, particularly beginners. AUSTSWIM is committed to ensuring teachers understand how to safely interact with children in the pool, protecting students through best practice manual handling techniques and promoting a safe learning environment.

What are the recommended safe manual handling techniques for supporting beginner swimmers?

Teachers can support beginner students by holding them under the head or by using flotation devices such as noodles or kickboards. In some cases, it may be necessary to support the student by placing hands under their shoulders.

Is it always necessary to seek consent before providing manual assistance to a student?

Yes, consent should always be sought from the student before providing manual assistance, such as supporting them by placing hands under their shoulders or assisting them with climbing out of the pool.

What parts of a student's body should a teacher avoid touching during a lesson?

Unless providing necessary manual assistance as described in safe manual handling techniques, teachers should avoid touching any other part of the student's body.

Should students ever be forced to do something they are unwilling to do?

No, students should never be forced into doing something they do not want to do. Forcing students will not help them learn skills faster and can negatively impact their experience.

How should a teacher demonstrate a skill like climbing out of the pool?

The teacher should demonstrate the action themselves and explain the practice to the student. For skills like climbing out of the pool without steps, the teacher should teach using specific points such as "Elbow, elbow, knee, knee." If assistance is needed, the teacher should ask permission and provide assistance, such as a stirrup made by their hands, with clear explanations.

What are some strategies for teaching the breaststroke leg action?

To help students grasp the breaststroke leg action, teachers can select a competent student from another class to demonstrate. It is also generally easier for students to learn the concept if they learn survival backstroke first. Teachers can also have students sit on the pool edge with their knees bent and feet in the water, demonstrating the action with specific teaching points: "Legs out in front, feet together," "Keep legs together and drop heels to touch the wall," and "Move the heels out along the wall and then bring the legs quickly back to the outstretched together position."

What are some general guidelines for safe interactions with students in the water?

Teachers should always remember to set clear expectations for the lesson, keep their hands as visible as possible at all times, and always ask permission from the student before touching them to provide support.