With more aqua fitness courses moving online, it’s become harder to tell which qualifications are genuinely recognised by Australian swimming bodies and employers. In this episode, we unpack how accreditation works in practice, why most “online” courses still require in-person assessment, and how national training standards shape recognition across the industry. Rather than recommending specific programs, this discussion focuses on the structure behind recognised qualifications — and why outcomes can vary depending on how a course is delivered. 

Aqua aerobics instructor training often looks straightforward from the outside, but the reality is more structured and more nuanced than many people expect. In this episode, we explore what aqua aerobics training in Australia actually involves, why nationally recognised qualifications exist, and how safety, anatomy, and planning shape the role of an instructor.

We unpack common misunderstandings around certification, rescue requirements, and industry recognition, and explain why two instructors with the same qualification can deliver very different experiences in practice. Rather than focusing on providers or outcomes, this conversation looks at the systems, expectations, and real-world conditions that shape how aqua aerobics instruction works once training is complete.

This episode explains how people typically become aqua fitness instructors in Australia and what the career can look like after certification. It outlines why the pathway often feels unclear — sitting between fitness, aquatics, and community health — and how training usually combines water-based exercise skills, safety, and first aid rather than following a single linear qualification.

The discussion addresses common misconceptions, such as the idea that aqua instruction is easier than land-based fitness or that certification guarantees full-time work. In practice, most instructors begin with casual or part-time hours shaped by pool access and local demand.

Finally, the episode explores why career outcomes vary so widely. Factors like location, facility type, management structures, and individual choices all influence whether aqua fitness becomes a long-term profession, a specialised niche, or a flexible complementary role. The focus is on understanding the system realistically, rather than presenting a single “right” path.

This episode explores how people in Australia typically start an aqua fitness instructor course and why the pathway can seem confusing at first. It explains how aqua fitness sits at the intersection of the fitness industry, aquatic safety, and community health, which leads to layered training requirements and varying expectations around qualifications. The discussion looks at why prerequisites such as water competency, first aid, and safety knowledge are central to the role, and how pool access, regulations, and facility constraints shape real-world opportunities.

The episode also addresses common misunderstandings, including the assumption that aqua fitness instruction is physically easier or that certification alone guarantees consistent work. It highlights how teaching in water brings its own demands and how participant needs often extend beyond general fitness into injury management and mobility support. Finally, it explains why career outcomes differ widely after certification, depending on the setting, population served, and whether instructors combine aqua fitness with other roles, specialise, or move into coordination and program management over time.

What is AUSTSWIM and what is its primary role?

AUSTSWIM is the national body in Australia for the Teaching of Swimming and Water Safety. Its primary role is to advocate for, support, and improve the aquatic sector by providing tools, resources, education, and connections. They also set standards and guidelines for aquatic participation and training.

What are the key components of the updated AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course (from April 2024)?

The updated course includes five new units of competency (SISSS00132) that supersede previous units. These units cover performing water rescues, planning swimming lessons, teaching water familiarisation, buoyancy, mobility, aquatic safety, survival skills, and swimming strokes. The updated course also requires more assessment tasks, including writing and teaching a specific number of lesson plans and supervised lessons.

What is the purpose of the workplace training component for AUSTSWIM candidates?

The workplace training component is designed for candidates to gain on-the-job experience. This involves observing experienced AUSTSWIM or other accredited teachers and co-teaching swimming and water safety activities under direct supervision. This practical experience is essential for developing job and pool-ready teachers.

What is the AUSTSWIM School of Excellence recognition?

The AUSTSWIM School of Excellence is a recognition program, not a membership, that highlights swim centers committed to excellence in aquatic training. These schools demonstrate a preference for employing AUSTSWIM Licensed Teachers and uphold industry best practices, providing an assurance of quality to parents, caregivers, and participants.

Why should parents and caregivers choose an AUSTSWIM School of Excellence?

Choosing an AUSTSWIM School of Excellence provides parents and caregivers with peace of mind. These schools prioritize employing AUSTSWIM Licensed Teachers who have undergone world-class training, are fully insured, and adhere to a Code of Conduct. While there are no laws requiring water safety teacher training in Australia, AUSTSWIM Schools of Excellence ensure their teachers meet the highest standards.

What should parents and caregivers expect from a swim school?

Parents and caregivers should look for a swim school that employs AUSTSWIM Licensed Teachers, which is often indicated by an accredited AUSTSWIM sticker. They should expect a welcoming, appealing, and safe environment where activities are age-appropriate, developmentally suitable, and contribute positively to a child's growth. The program should include water familiarisation, safety education, skill acquisition, and parent involvement, encouraging children to learn at their own pace.

What are the AUSTSWIM Learning Pillars and how can parents use them?

The AUSTSWIM Learning Pillars are a framework encompassing Thinking (inquiry and solution), Exploring (diversity in aquatic environments), Developing (water safety skills with strokes), and Doing (moving in water). Parents can use these pillars to assess and select a quality program for their children, focusing on programs that centralize knowledge, skill, and understanding in aquatic learning.

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

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.

What type of insurance coverage is provided to AUSTSWIM Licensed Teachers?

AUSTSWIM Licensed Teachers receive automatic insurance coverage which includes $20 million in Public Liability and Product Liability cover per occurrence, and $10 million in Professional Indemnity Insurance per claim and in aggregate.

When does the AUSTSWIM Teacher insurance policy come into effect and how is it maintained?

The insurance coverage is automatic for all currently licensed AUSTSWIM Teachers. The policy is automatically renewed when an AUSTSWIM Teacher renews their AUSTSWIM Teacher Licence. The insurance policy is only valid as long as the teacher's AUSTSWIM Teacher Licence is current.

Does the AUSTSWIM Teacher insurance cover teachers working overseas?

Yes, the policy provides worldwide coverage. However, any legal action taken against you must be subject to Australian Laws and would need to be heard in Australian Courts. An Australian resident AUSTSWIM Licensed Teacher is covered while working in a swim teaching role overseas, provided they are working as an employee, volunteer, or contractor.

Are there any circumstances where the AUSTSWIM Teacher insurance does not apply?

Yes, the insurance does not apply if you are engaged as a contractor working over 30 hours per week or earning in excess of $30,000 p.a. In these cases, you are required to purchase your own separate policy. Additionally, if you are a Swim School Operator or have your own clients who pay you directly for swim lessons, you will need to purchase your own business insurance policy.

What is the difference between a "Contractor" and a "Swim School Operator/Self-employed" in the context of AUSTSWIM's insurance policy?

A "Contractor" is someone engaged to work under contract to provide services, providing an invoice and ABN for payment by a swim school operator, and they have no direct clientele or direct payment from clientele. A "Swim School Operator/Self-employed" is anyone providing swim lessons with their own clients and receiving direct payment or favour. Receiving "favour" refers to indirect payment, such as trading services (e.g., teaching a child to swim in exchange for pool chemicals).

Does the AUSTSWIM Teacher insurance cover volunteer swim teaching?

Yes, the insurance policy with your current AUSTSWIM Teacher Licence covers volunteer teaching you do outside of your place of employment. This provides protection if someone alleges you have been negligent while volunteering.

What should an AUSTSWIM Licensed Teacher do if a situation arises where a claim might be made against them?

At the first indication of any situation where a claim may be made against you, you should immediately contact Insurance Made Easy and provide them with the details. Failure to notify them could jeopardize your entitlement to cover under the policy.

Does the AUSTSWIM Teacher insurance policy require relevant extension qualifications for coverage?

Yes, the Insurance Policy will only respond where you hold the relevant Extension Qualifications. It is encouraged to obtain the relevant upgrade in your qualifications to ensure this insurance policy will cover you.

Course Summary:

Bridge the Gap (SISSS00132) is an online upskilling course for current swimming teachers who already hold a Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety accreditation (SISSS00112 issued after 2015). It allows them to transition to the updated SISSS00132 skillset released in December 2023.

Eligibility:

• ✅ Eligible: Teachers accredited after 2015 with SISSS00112.
• ❌ Not Eligible: Teachers accredited before 2015.

Course Details:

• Mode: 100% Online (No face-to-face component)
• Duration: 12 months to complete
• Assessment: eLearning modules + Candidate Handbook (to be completed in industry)
• Content includes:
  • Water rescues (SISCAQU020)
  • Planning lessons (SISCAQU023)
  • Teaching water safety, strokes, mobility & familiarisation (SISCAQU024–026)

Outcomes & Benefits:

• Statement of Attainment for SISSS00132
• Includes prerequisites for:
  • Infant and Preschool Aquatics
  • Aquatics – Access and Inclusion
• Earns 6 professional development hours

Cost:

• $30 for AUSTSWIM members (with code: GAP19)
• $49 for non-members

Additional Notes:

• Must present current Statement of Attainment for SISSS00112
• Course does not accept international student visa subclass 500

Frequently Asked Questions about AUSTSWIM Professional Development

1. Why is Professional Development (PD) important for AUSTSWIM teachers?

Professional Development is crucial for AUSTSWIM teachers as it ensures they maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills in swimming and water safety education. AUSTSWIM requires teachers to complete 10 hours of PD to renew their licenses. This ongoing learning keeps teachers connected to current industry best practices, new teaching methodologies, and important areas like inclusivity and working with diverse learners, ultimately leading to more effective and safer swimming lessons.

2. What types of activities qualify as Professional Development for AUSTSWIM license renewal?

A wide range of formal and informal training activities can contribute to your PD hours. This includes attending industry conferences and events, completing AUSTSWIM license upskilling or extension courses, obtaining formal accreditations, engaging in online learning modules, and even the professional development gained through your daily experience as a swimming and water safety teacher within a swim school or aquatic facility.

3. Does AUSTSWIM offer its own Professional Development opportunities?

Yes, AUSTSWIM provides a variety of professional development modules designed to help swimming and water safety teachers further their careers and stay current with industry trends. These online modules are often exclusive offers for current AUSTSWIM license holders but are also accessible to other swimming and water safety teachers in the industry.

4. What are some specific Professional Development courses currently offered by AUSTSWIM?

AUSTSWIM currently offers courses such as "Managing Learn to Swim Classes with Neurodivergent Students" and "Inclusivity and Managing Challenging Behaviours." These courses aim to equip teachers with specific skills and understanding in key areas, such as adapting teaching strategies for neurodiverse learners and effectively managing diverse abilities and challenging behaviors in the classroom.

5. Who can enroll in AUSTSWIM's Professional Development courses?

AUSTSWIM's Professional Development opportunities are open to both AUSTSWIM-licensed teachers and other swimming and water safety teachers in the industry. While exclusive pricing may be available for current AUSTSWIM license holders, the courses are designed to benefit a broad range of professionals in the aquatic education sector.

6. How many Professional Development hours are awarded upon completion of the new AUSTSWIM courses?

Upon successful completion of both the "Managing Learn to Swim Classes with Neurodivergent Students" and the "Inclusivity and Managing Challenging Behaviours" courses, participants receive a Certificate of Completion that can be used as evidence for 3 hours of Professional Development towards their AUSTSWIM license renewal.

7. How do I enroll in AUSTSWIM's Professional Development courses?

To enroll in an AUSTSWIM Professional Development course, you need to access the online enrolment form through the Streamline Dashboard. New users will need to sign up with their full name to create an account, while existing users can log in directly. There are specific buttons for "AUSTSWIM TEACHER" and "NON-AUSTSWIM TEACHER" to direct you to the appropriate enrolment process.