Across March and April, AUSTSWIM teams have been out and about across VIC and NSW, connecting with industry, community and future teachers, reinforcing the critical link between water safety outcomes and a sustainable aquatics workforce.
In Victoria, we continued to contribute to sector-wide water safety advocacy through the Life Saving Victoria Play It Safe By The Water Committee. These ongoing conversations bring together industry leaders to drive coordinated action around drowning prevention. We also attended the Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Diversity & Inclusion Forum, where a strong focus on inclusion highlighted the importance of attracting and supporting a more diverse workforce to meet community needs.
In New South Wales, AUSTSWIM supported grassroots engagement through Impowerful event at the Cumberland Community Western Sydney Water Safety Fest. Organised by Impowerful, this event demonstrated the power of community-led initiatives, bringing together multiple organisations including Float to Survive, Royal Life NSW/ACT/TAS and Swim Australia, to increase water safety awareness and participation, particularly across multicultural communities. The strong response has already sparked interest in expanding similar initiatives into other inland regions.
Building the future workforce was also front of mind at the Pymble Ladies’ College Careers Expo, where we engaged with more than 600 students and families. Conversations centred around the value of swim teaching as a flexible and rewarding career, with opportunities to “try before you buy” helping young people better understand the role. New partnership opportunities also emerged, including pathways to connect with the fitness industry and attract future aqua exercise instructors.
We also joined industry peers at the ASSA / ARI International Women’s Day Event, celebrating leadership and career pathways for women in aquatics. These moments are important in shaping a more sustainable, supported and representative workforce.
Alongside this, visits to swim schools and aquatic centres across Sydney focused on strengthening relationships, supporting teacher development and identifying opportunities to grow local capability. From mentoring programs to future training facilities, these conversations are key to ensuring our workforce continues to meet demand.
As the warmer weather continues, it serves as an important reminder: water safety must remain front of mind. At the same time, the need for qualified, passionate swim teachers continues to grow.
A strong workforce underpins safer communities.
If you’d like to explore opportunities with AUSTSWIM, whether you’re looking to become a teacher, upskill your team, or partner with us about opportunities with AUSTSWIM, we’d love to connect.
Pictured at the Western Sydney Water Safety Fest (L-R): Nancy Shaw, (Swim Australia), Ying Fan (Royal Life Saving NSW/ACT/TAS), Anu Bedi (Impowerful) Charlene Easton (AUSTSWIM), Sunny Fung (Macquarie University), Nicole Bain (Belgravia Leisure).