What is the AUSTSWIM School of Excellence recognition?
The AUSTSWIM School of Excellence recognises swim schools that demonstrate outstanding aquatic education and a strong commitment to hiring AUSTSWIM Licensed Teachers. It’s not a membership program but a quality mark indicating adherence to industry best practices. The recognition lasts 12 months and requires annual renewal.

Why should parents and caregivers choose an AUSTSWIM School of Excellence?
Choosing an AUSTSWIM School of Excellence gives parents peace of mind. These schools prefer AUSTSWIM Licensed Teachers, Australia’s highest trained swimming and water safety educators. These teachers complete world class training, are fully insured, and follow a strict Code of Conduct. While Australian law doesn’t mandate teacher qualifications, these schools uphold the highest standards, including early childhood and skill development.

What can parents and caregivers expect from a swim school that employs AUSTSWIM Licensed Teachers?
Parents can expect high quality instruction and safety. Look for the Accredited AUSTSWIM Teachers sticker. These teachers hold current CPR certifications, valid Working with Children Checks, and are covered by AUSTSWIM insurance. Swim schools should offer a safe, engaging environment that supports a child’s physical, social and emotional growth. Lessons should be age appropriate and include water familiarisation, skill development and parental involvement at the child’s pace

What are the AUSTSWIM Learning Pillars, and how can parents use them?
The AUSTSWIM Learning Pillars help parents assess swimming programs. They promote learning through:

• Thinking Encouraging problem solving
• Exploring Experiencing varied aquatic environments
• Developing Combining safety skills with stroke learning
• Doing Moving in different body positions through water
• Knowledge Building water familiarity through education

What are the recent changes to workplace training for AUSTSWIM Teacher Candidates?
As of April 2024, training requirements for AUSTSWIM Teacher Candidates have changed. The Candidate Handbook now uses green pages for face to face and black for workplace training. Candidates must teach each lesson to at least four students for 30 minutes under supervision, observe nine lessons and write six 30 minute lesson plans. All documentation must follow the latest handbook version.

Who signs the Candidate Handbook and Workplace Training Logbook?
Different sections require different signatories. The AUSTSWIM Trainer signs the Handbook on the course day. A qualified supervising teacher (minimum two years experience) completes and signs sections in the Logbook and five lesson plans. The Swim School Coordinator, Manager or equivalent signs off on the final "Recommendation for Teaching Under Supervision" and the record of training.

What is the significance of the updated AUSTSWIM course units?
In April 2024, AUSTSWIM updated its Teacher course units following a review of the Sport, Aquatics and Recreation skillset. The five new units SISCAQU020, SISCAQU023, SISCAQU024, SISCAQU025 and SISCAQU026 replace older ones. They require more lesson plans and supervised teaching to ensure teachers are better prepared, pool ready and up to date with current standards.

How do swim schools help build the aquatic workforce?
Swim schools are essential in training the next generation of AUSTSWIM Teachers. Nearly 10,000 candidates gain hands on experience each year through workplace training in swim schools. By observing and co teaching under supervision, candidates develop job ready skills. This collaboration strengthens the aquatic workforce and helps deliver vital water safety education across comm