ASCTA recognises Barker College Foundation Aquatic Centre for its innovation

The Barker College Foundation Aquatic Centre’s ‘Tech Free Week’ has been recognised at the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) and Swim Australia 2019 awards.

One of two winners at the recently presented ASCTA - Best Swim School awards, for its ‘Excellence for Innovation’, the award recognised the Centre’s innovative ‘Tech Free Week’ during March, where parents and caregivers were encouraged to actively engage with their child/ren’s lesson and to put their mobile phones and devices to one side during this time.

This initiative also coincided with the United Nations’ World Water Day, which focused on the importance of active supervision whilst children are in, on or around, the water.

Welcoming the recognition, Barker Foundation Aquatic Centre Director, Haydn Belshaw stated “we believe this campaign was particularly relevant in light of the recent spate of drownings. Figures compiled by Royal Life Saving Society - Australia showed that 86 people drowned last summer, compared to 55 the summer prior to that.

“In addition to this, Royal Life Saving also found that a lapse in adult supervision was the major risk factor in 100% of toddler drowning deaths.

“This innovative and forward-thinking program involved an enormous team effort from all of the staff and coaches at the Centre and was fully supported by the Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath.

“We aim to make a difference, not only within the Barker community, but the surrounding local community as well.

“So, initiatives such as Tech Free Week help to build meaningful customer engagement.”

Presented in a virtual ceremony last month, Kirby Swim Karrinyup was also recognised in the Best Swim School - Innovation category.