Australian Swim Schools Association launches app, holds first industry conference

The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) held its inaugural conference on the Gold Coast last week during the 2016 SPLASH! Expo.

Advising that the conference was a resounding success, ASSA Chief Executive Ross Gage stated “a common sentiment (heard from delegates) was that the swim school industry finally having its own conference was a long time coming.”

ASSA received favourable feedback for holding the conference over one working week, covering the business side of swim schools as well as incorporating the teaching of babies and toddlers and inclusive swimming.

Gage added “additionally, having access to the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade show was another huge bonus.

“It allowed delegates to further network and look into potential pool equipment for their swim schools.”

Swim school operator Chris Dellit says he has been attending conferences for 35 years and this one was the best.

Dellit explained “it was great to see some ‘old’ industry friends like Pat Taylor and so glad to see finally that so many swim schools are teaching from the heart within a child-centred environment.”

Three overseas presenters addressed the conference: Frank Sahlein and Erin Seal-Grande from the USA, and Canada’s Sharron Crowley.

Seal-Grande, sponsored by SPLASH!, spoused world’s best practice in teaching people with disability. The event also saw ASSA launch its Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame, with the first inductees welcomed during the inaugural Australian Swim Schools Awards Dinner.

Commenting on the initiative, Gage advised “this Hall of Fame will recognise outstanding contributions to the Swim Schools Industry, incorporating the teaching of swimming and water safety”.

Long time industry servant and history enthusiast, Ted Tullberg, has been appointed the Curator of the Hall of Fame.

Operating on a two tier system, the first level will see Inductees into the categories of ‘Pioneer’, ‘Science’, ‘Humanitarian’ and ‘Outstanding Contributor’.

The Inductees will receive a ‘Steedman’ in honour of Charles Steedman’s 1867 ‘Manual of Swimming’ - published in Melbourne.

The top tier of the Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame is reserved for the ‘Legends’.

ASSA App
ASSA has also just launched its first App, designed specifically for mobile devices and representing the Association’s commitment to servicing its Member Swim Schools with modern, effective information-communication technology.

Melbourne based company, Your Phone App, was engaged for the project. Your Phone App has since become an ASSA Partner, offering Member Swim Schools special services and rates.

Click here to directly download the App at Apple iTunes or click here for Android devices.

17th August 2016 - FIRST INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE AUSTRALIAN SWIM SCHOOLS HALL OF FAME

2nd August 2016 - AUSTRALIAN SWIM SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES ‘SUPER TUESDAY’

27th July 2016 - ASSA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF INAUGURAL AUSTRALIAN SWIM SCHOOLS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

24th June 2016 - ASSA MAKES KEY APPOINTMENT TO ADVANCE MORE ACCESSIBLE AND MODERN METHODS OF EDUCATION