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2.1. Purpose
2.2 Initial Training and Qualification
All Swimming and Water Safety Teachers
2.2.1 To perform the duties of a Swimming and Water Safety Teacher an individual should hold a
Code | Competency |
SISCAQU002 | Perform basic water rescues |
SISCAQU008 | Instruct water familiarisation, buoyancy and mobility skills |
SISCAQU009 | Instruct water safety and survival skills |
SISCAQU010 | Instruct swimming strokes |
Swimming and Water Safety Teachers of Specialist Groups
2.2.2 For those teaching specialist groups Swimming and Water Safety Teachers should also hold a current Statement of Attainment with the following competencies:
Program | Competency |
Infant and Pre-School Programs | SISCAQU011 - Promote development of infants and toddlers in an aquatic environment and/or; |
Programs for Disabled Persons | SISCAQU012 Assist participants with a disability during aquatic activities |
2.3 Health and Fitness Assesments
2.3.1 A Swimming and water safety teacher should be in good health and physical fitness for the specific duties they are required to undertake in their role.
2.3.2 The owners or operator of aquatic facility and their employees, such as Swimming and water safety teachers, have a Duty of Care to the aquatic users. Part of this Duty of Care extends to the health of a Swimming and water safety teachers and their ability to perform aquatic rescues
2.3.3 Swimming and water safety teacher employed at an aquatic facility are responsible for managing their health & wellbeing and to inform facility management should their ability to perform their duties become compromised.
2.3.4 The owner or operator of aquatic facility is responsible for ensuring that on an annual basis or following an injury that a Swimming and water safety teacher is able to and is managing their health & wellbeing.
2.3.5 The owner or operator of an aquatic facility should ensure that as a result of a health assessment or self-declaration medical questionnaire a Swimming and water safety teachers is categorised using the following assessment categories:
2.3.6 If a Swimming and water safety teachers falls into category 3 or 4, the employment of the Swimming and water safety teachers should cease or not commence until further assessment is undertaken or further medical evidence is provided.
2.3.7 Reassessment should be after a 30 day period
2.3.8 Swimming and water safety teachers should notify employers in writing of any deterioration of their health that occurs during their employment and after a medical assessment.
2.4 Induction
2.4.1 The owner or operator of an aquatic facility should ensure that all Swimming and water safety teachers receive an in-depth induction to working at the aquatic facility prior to commencing operational duties as a swimming and water safety teacher.
2.4.2 A record of the completion of the induction should be signed by both the employee and employer and kept for the duration of employment of the Swimming and water safety teachers within a Staff Profile (or similar).
2.4.3 A Swimming and water safety teacher Induction should include at a minimum the following steps (as detailed within appendix 2):
2.5 Currency Training and Professional Development
2.5.1 Swimming and water safety teachers should undertake regular professional development to maintain currency in areas of safety and swim teaching methodology.
2.5.2 It is recommended that Swimming and water safety teachers practice their skills throughout the year, either formally or informally due to the professional nature of the qualification.
2.5.3 Swimming and water safety teachers working at a seasonal pool should participate in a facility specific in-service training session at the aquatic facility they are employed at just prior to the start of the season and one at least every three months thereafter until the close of the season.
2.5.4 All other Swimming and water safety teachers should participate in a minimum of four organised training sessions per year to ensure currency of necessary skills and competencies. These can include program specific curriculum competencies and assessments, stroke progression and development, open water topics, personal development such as communication, teaching strategies etc.
2.5.5 Currency and professional development sessions should be varied and cover all aspects of the role of Swimming and water safety teachers and may include but are not limited to:
2.5.6 It is recommended that training sessions regularly include practical water work.
2.6 Annual Skills Assessment
2.6.1 In line with the Assessment Guidelines of the SISSS00112 - Swimming and Water Safety Teacher skill set and the Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, Swimming and water safety teachers are required to demonstrate an up to date knowledge and skill under assessment conditions of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
2.6.2 This annual skills assessment should be delivered and assessed by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in line with the assessment criteria of the competency.
2.7 Training Log
2.7.1 The owner or operator of an aquatic facility should ensure that a record of all training and professional development sessions is maintained at the place of employment. Note that records must be accessible onsite at the facility.
2.7.2 Records should include the following details:
2.7.3 Swimming and water safety teachers are recommended to maintain a personal log book recording all induction and in-service training undertaken. This may include additional professional development training provided by organisations other than their employer.
2.8 Licencing
2.8.1 All Swimming and water safety teachers should be licensed no more than every 3 years by process of verification of skills assessment and ongoing professional development.
2.8.2 Licencing of Swimming and water safety teachers should include but not be limited to:
Licencing Schemes
2.8.3 Organisations permitted to issue licences for Swimming and Water Safety Teachers in Australia must:
2.9 References