Water Safety in Schools
Through the Water Safety in Schools Initiative, eligible Victorian Government school staff, parents and carers can access fully funded AUSTSWIM swim teacher training to support students in developing essential life-saving skills.
Program Overview
Supporting schools to deliver quality swimming and water safety education. AUSTSWIM is proud to partner with Swim Australia and Life Saving Victoria to deliver the Water Safety in Schools Initiative in Victoria, funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Education. This initiative aims to build workforce capacity and strengthen schools’ ability to deliver high quality swimming and water safety education, particularly in communities where the need is greatest.
Through this program, eligible Victorian Government school staff, parents and carers can undertake fully funded swim teacher training, helping schools develop the skills and confidence needed to support students to learn vital water safety and swimming skills.
Qualification Outcome
Participants who successfully complete all course and assessment requirements will be eligible to receive:
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The AUSTSWIM Teacher Licence (valid for three years)
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A Statement of Attainment for nationally recognised units of competency from the Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package
This qualification supports employment opportunities across school-based programs, swim schools and aquatic centres.
View the full qualification and unit details using the link below.
Program Details
The Water Safety in Schools Initiative is designed for:
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Teachers and staff working in Victorian Government schools
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Schools seeking to strengthen their swimming and water safety education programs
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Educators interested in gaining a recognised swim teacher qualification
By building skills within schools, the program helps ensure more students can develop lifelong swimming and water safety capabilities.
Under the Water Safety in Schools program:
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Course training and assessment fees are fully funded for eligible participants
Participants are generally responsible for additional requirements such as
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First aid certification
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Working with children checks
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Uniforms or travel costs
This funding is available to Victorian School teachers, support staff, parents or carers in eligible areas who have been invited to participate in the program by their school can use the information on this page to register.
Most of the AUSTSWIM courses for the Swim Teacher Training Initiative this summer have now been completed. But please check this link for any remaining dates with our partners or us. Swim Teacher Training Initiative | vic.gov.au
To remain eligible for funded training, participants are required to:
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Actively participate in training and assessment
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Meet attendance and completion requirements
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Participate in program-related reporting or placement activities where required
Failure to meet participation requirements may affect ongoing eligibility.
AUSTSWIM are delivering two types of courses for eligible school staff and parents/carers.
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Eligible school teachers can access AUSTSWIMs bespoke funded 2-day courses, which include the workplace training componentsavailable here: Swim Teacher Training Initiative | vic.gov.au
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Eligible school support staff, parents & carers can also access AUSTSWIM's standard public 2-day TSW Courses - available here: Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety.
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To access these courses for free with the funding, please contact vic@austswim.com.au with evidence of your school’s eligibility to receive a code.
See important funding information above.
Program Benefits
Pathways after completing this funded training
After completing the Water Safety in Schools funded pathway, you may choose to:
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Deliver swimming and water safety programs in schools
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Work as a swim teacher in aquatic centres or swim schools
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Progress into specialist AUSTSWIM extension courses
