AUSTSWIM Policies

Title:

Guidelines to Teaching Swimming and Water Safety Programs

Document:

Doc 1.2.01: Version No: 3
Issue Date: December 2002


The AUSTSWIM Council has researched the value of swimming and water safety programs and advises AUSTSWIM teachers, parents and pool management of the following key points:

  • Participation in aquatic activities should be a happy experience for all students in a stimulating environment. Students should be allowed to progress at their own pace and should never be forced to take part in aquatic activities.
  • Irrespective of their swimming ability, children are never safe when in or around water and should be under adult supervision.

Swimming and water safety programs refers to programs that involve the instruction of swimming and water safety principles. It does not include general supervision in the aquatic environment.

1. Introduction to aquatic education and water familiarisation should take into consideration a child's level of maturity.

A child's reaction to aquatic education will depend on a number of factors including age, physical characteristics, language and cognitive development, degree of socialisation and emotional factors.

2. The learning atmosphere should be safe and non-threatening with caring teachers.

A happy and secure environment will provide students with social, intellectual, physical and emotional development opportunities. The learning environment should be individualised based on each student's capabilities. The key to learning is the emphasis placed on a positive environment working toward aquatic safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition.

3. Instructions should be carried out by teachers with current AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety qualifications.

Teachers should have specific understanding, aptitude, patience and enthusiasm for aquatic instructions, and should be prepared to continue their education to remain current with new developments.

4. Student medical details should be recorded prior to participation.

Records of student medical and health related issues related to aquatic activities should be recorded prior to involvement in aquatic education activities and updated on a regular basis.

5. Water and air temperature should provide for optimal comfort and enjoyment.

Students should not be exposed to cold water or air temperatures for an extended period. Students should be kept active within the water and not left sitting on the edge where cooler air temperature may cause rapid loss of body heat. The learning of aquatic skills should never take precedence over the student's comfort. Students who display signs of lost body heat should be immediately removed from the water, dried and clothed.

6. Appropriate clothing should be worn by students.

Clothing specifically designed for involvement in aquatic activities should be worn by students. Other clothing may be worn for the direct instruction of water safety skills. Students should wear additional clothing and apply sunscreen to provide protection from the sun when necessary.

7. The pool and associated facilities should be maintained according to standards specified by State and Local authorities regarding safety, water purity and sanitary conditions.

Floors and passageways should be safe and have appropriate wet area flooring. Dressing rooms should be well maintained.

8. Students' rights should be respected at all times. Activities that cause distress to a student should be modified or deleted.

All students have the right to:

  • participate at a level appropriate to their maturity and ability
  • have qualified teachers
  • where possible be involved with the decision making process
  • be treated with respect and dignity within all lesson activities.
  • be presented with equal opportunity to:
    i. strive for success
    ii. think for themselves
    iii. establish new relationships
    iv. enjoy the aquatic experience

9. Class size and ratios will vary according to the type of venue being utilised and the ability level of the students involved.

AUSTSWIM has developed a policy on teacher student ratios for various age groups and venue types. It is recommended that swimming and water safety programs conducted as part of a Physical Education curriculum program should also be conducted in accordance with the following guidelines:

9.1 Venue Type 1

Confined shallow natural water venues (where the maximum water depth is no greater than shoulder height for any of the students and the area is clearly defined and surrounded by safety barriers) and swimming pools.

Teacher qualification

All teachers involved in instruction must:

  • hold a current AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Certificate
  • have been deemed competent by the employer in the appropriate rescue skills for the teaching environment.

Teacher/student ratios - There should be a minimum of either:

  • two AUSTSWIM teachers, or
  • one AUSTSWIM teacher and one pool lifeguard present at all swimming and water safety programs.

The teacher/s hold overall responsibility for the activity and are required to supervise students participating in school swimming programs.

The maximum student/teacher ratios should be:

    Beginners (students with little or no experience) - 10 students :1 teacher
    Intermediate (students with basic skills and able to swim 25 metres of a recognisable stroke) - 12 students: 1 teacher
    Advanced (students able to swim 50 metres using two recognisable strokes and demonstrate one survival stroke in deep water) - 15 students: 1 teacher

9.2 Venue Type 2

Deep open water venues (includes deep and/or flowing water at non-surf beaches, lakes, rivers and dams). Each should have recognisable group teaching boundaries.

It is expected that students taking part in these activities should be able to competently complete the following continuous sequence prior to participation:

  • An appropriate entry.
  • Survival sculling, floating and treading water for 5 minutes, alternating the skill each minute.
  • Swim continuously for 200 metres using recognised strokes.

Teacher qualifications

ll teachers involved in instruction must

  • hold a current AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Certificate,
  • at least one member must hold one of the following:
  • current Royal Life Saving Society Bronze Medallion; or
  • current Surf Life Saving Australia Patrol Bronze Medallion.

Teacher/student ratios

There should be a minimum of

  • two AUSTSWIM teachers, or
  • one AUSTSWIM teacher and one person who holds a bronze medallion (refer to teacher qualifications above) present at all swimming and water safety programs.

The teacher/s hold overall responsibility for the activity and are required to supervise students participating in school swimming programs.

The maximum student/teacher ratio should be 10 students:1 teacher.

9.3 Venue Type 3

Surf beaches. Programs should be conducted at patrolled beaches. Appropriate rescue aids must be located close to the teaching areas.

It is expected that students taking part in these activities should be able to competently complete the following sequence prior to participation:

  • Wade safely into deep water.
  • In waist depth water, dive to simulate entry under a wave.
  • Demonstrate a feet first and head first surface dive.
  • Float for 1 minute using an aid for support, reassuring other swimmers.
  • Swim continuously for 10 minutes using at least 3 different survival strokes.
  • Demonstrate survival sculling, floating and treading water for 5 minutes, alternating the skill each minute.

Teacher qualifications

All staff involved in instruction must hold

A current AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Certificate at least one member must hold the following:

  • current Surf Life Saving Australia Patrol Bronze Medallion Award; or
  • Current Surf Rescue Certificate.

Teacher/student ratios

There should be a minimum of

  • two AUSTSWIM teachers, or
  • one AUSTSWIM teacher and one person who holds a surf award (refer to teacher qualifications above) present at all swimming and water safety programs.

The teacher/s hold overall responsibility for the activity and are required to supervise students participating in school swimming programs.

The maximum student/teacher ratio should be 8 students: 1 teacher.

The total number of students should not exceed 50.

Please note Surf Life Saving Australia requires an inflatable rescue boat for the first 20 trainee's and a rescue board for each 10 thereafter.

Copyright © 2002 by AUSTSWIM Ltd.
Version No: 3
Issue Date: December 2002