Vale Meredith King

AUSTSWIM Life Member

It is with great sadness that AUSTSWIM acknowledges the passing of Life Member Meredith King, an extraordinary educator, mentor, leader and champion of swimming and water safety education.

“For more than four decades, Meredith dedicated herself to strengthening the aquatic industry and improving the quality of swimming and water safety education across Australia and beyond. Her passion, knowledge, generosity and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an enduring legacy within AUSTSWIM and the broader aquatic community,” said Nick Cox, Chair of AUSTSWIM.

Meredith’s journey began as a young teacher, gaining her VICSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety certificate in 1978 at the first course held at Deakin University and Nunawading Swim Centre. Her certificate, number 32, marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see her influence generations of teachers, leaders and aquatic professionals.

From her early teaching roles with YMCA and VICSWIM, through to leadership positions including YMCA Victoria State Training Manager and Aquatic Specialist Manager, Meredith consistently sought to improve opportunities for teachers and strengthen the systems that support quality aquatic education.

“Meredith’s contribution to AUSTSWIM was truly exceptional. Over more than 30 years of involvement, she played a significant role in shaping the organisation, advocating for continuous improvement and ensuring that AUSTSWIM remained focused on its purpose developing high-quality swimming and water safety teachers,” said Melinda Crole, AUSTSWIM Director.

Her influence extended across Victoria, nationally and internationally. Meredith held numerous volunteer roles, including leading the AUSTSWIM Victorian Advisory Committee and representing Victoria on the AUSTSWIM National Council. She generously shared her knowledge through conferences, workshops, professional development sessions, mentoring and countless conversations that challenged and inspired others to strive for better.

In 2017, Meredith received the Most Outstanding Contribution to AUSTSWIM Award, recognising her outstanding service, leadership and commitment to AUSTSWIM. The award reflected what so many within the industry already knew: Meredith’s contribution was unique, impactful and deeply valued.

Among her many achievements, Meredith was instrumental in:

• Supporting major developments and improvements to AUSTSWIM programs and systems
• Contributing to national training resources, standards and curriculum development
• Helping establish initiatives such as Play it Safe by the Water campaign and contributing to water safety education resources
• Developing professional development opportunities for AUSTSWIM Teachers
• Supporting access and inclusion education within aquatic programs
• Establishing forums and initiatives that brought the aquatic industry together
• Mentoring countless teachers, trainers, leaders and emerging professionals

Meredith held multiple AUSTSWIM qualifications throughout her career, including:

• Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
• Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics
• Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion
• Presenter – Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
• Presenter – Infant Aquatics

While Meredith’s achievements and accolades were many, those who knew her will remember her most for her passion, honesty, determination and belief that swimming teachers have the power to change lives.

When asked why she became a swimming teacher, Meredith once reflected:

“Swimmer in the dim dark past, coach said I couldn't quit till I gave something back, guess I'm still giving back.”

And she certainly did.

Meredith believed teaching was about more than delivering a program; it was about understanding people. Her advice to teachers was simple but powerful:

“Teach from the heart, not by rote. Every person is an individual; teach them, not the curriculum.”

This philosophy shaped the way she supported others and will continue to influence the many teachers and leaders fortunate enough to have learned from her.

AUSTSWIM CEO Lisa Kinross was delighted to have the opportunity to recently spend time with Meredith and to personally thank her on behalf of AUSTSWIM for her significant contribution to the quality of swimming and water safety education in Australia and beyond.

“She was a very inspiring and passionate individual and her focus on the importance of water safety education being taught as part of swim teacher training and delivery was unwavering.”

AUSTSWIM extends its deepest condolences to Meredith’s family, friends and all those across the aquatic industry who were touched by her remarkable life.

Meredith’s legacy will live on through the thousands of teachers she inspired, the systems she helped build, and the safer communities created through her lifelong commitment to swimming and water safety.

Vale Meredith King.
AUSTSWIM Life Member.
A true leader, educator and advocate for excellence.

Service Details

A Celebration of Life for Meredith King

11am, Tuesday 28 July 2026, 

St Margaret's Anglican Church Hall

79-81 Pitt St

Eltham.

RSVP for catering purposes to:  Shelley: email shellandtide@gmail.com 

Livestream available - email Shelley for the link.