Life Saving Victoria launches updated online School Swimming and Water Safety Toolkit

School swimming program facilitators are set to benefit from a redesign of the Life Saving Victoria (LSV) Swimming and Water Safety Online Toolkit, with a redeveloped toolkit rolled out for 2020.

The redevelopment followed an in-depth review of the original LSV toolkit, including a workshop across two days hosted by an external company which collected detailed feedback from teachers and aquatic industry professionals.

Version two of the toolkit was launched on 31st January 2020, and has a new easy-to-navigate design and is filled with key information about why swimming and water safety is important, what funding is available for school swimming programs, as well as access to many free resources.

As part of the toolkit, new resources have been developed in collaboration with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) to highlight the progression of swimming and water safety skills throughout the Victorian Curriculum and the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework.

LSV Swimming and Water Safety Education Manager Liz Tesone advised “other new resources include dry swimming lesson plans, the 5 Lesson Survival Swimming Program, and letter templates for schools and aquatic facilities to share key information with their communities.

“Alongside these great additions, you will find informative resources and step-by-step guides to successfully incorporate the Victorian Water Safety Certificate into your school swimming program.”

Tesone noted that the toolkit also included access to the new Life Saving Victoria Pod Channel adding “this podcast has been developed to provide listeners with insightful information about swimming and water safety, relevant lifesaving updates, as well as resources and ideas for schools and aquatic facilities to develop outstanding school swimming programs.

“If you’re an educator, work in the lifesaving or aquatic industry or have an interest in all things lifesaving, then this podcast is for you.”

Tesone said podcast subscribers would hear LSV’s engaging interviews about a range of water safety topics, including :

- The Victorian Drowning Report 2018-19

- Swimming and Water Safety in the Victorian Curriculum

- Multicultural Programs at Life Saving Victoria

- Bush Nippers

- Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter

- Pool Safety

- Education Programs at Life Saving Victoria

- How to run successful school swimming programs

- Swimming and Water Safety Online Toolkit

- Blue Connections Networking Events

- Using technology to teach Swimming and Water Safety in the classroom

To listen to the podcast, visit Spotify, Apple Podcasts and lsv.buzzsprout.com .

To access the Swimming and Water Safety Online Toolkit, visit http://www.lsv.com.au/toolkit.