Life Saving Victoria offers discounted swim teacher courses

Life Saving Victoria is committed to helping resolve the current swim teacher shortage by offering $104 off swim teacher courses – a dollar discount for every non-fatal drowning incident reported in Victoria in 2020 – 21. As the course ordinarily costs $250, the discount represents a saving of more than 40% with aquatic facilities able to train a cohort of 12 new staff for just $1,752.

Life Saving Victoria general manager public training and aquatic industry Andy Dennis said the promotion aimed to boost swim teacher numbers in response to an ongoing state-wide shortage of qualified staff and to help raise awareness of the impact of non-fatal drownings.

Dennis notes “It’s been a tough couple of years for the aquatic industry, with rolling lockdowns exacerbating the existing swim teacher shortage as staff sought other employment during the pandemic.

“It’s our hope this promotion will help to attract new swim teachers to the profession and alleviate some of these staffing strains being experienced across the sector.

“With millions of missed lessons due to lockdowns, and the highest child drowning toll in 20 years, Life Saving Victoria is committed to helping resolve the current swim teacher shortage so more kids can get back into lessons and learning vital water safety skills as soon as possible.

“In addition to tragic drowning fatalities, non-fatal incidents can leave patients with serious and in many cases lifelong injuries. By offering a dollar discount for every non-fatal drowning incident reported in Victoria last year, we also hope to raise awareness of this under-reported statistic.”

With 260 discounted course positions available, the promotion builds on free swim teacher training delivered to 240 candidates between April and June 2021, bringing the total number of swim teachers trained by Life Saving Victoria free of charge or at a heavily discounted rate to 500.

“Our research shows a net increase of up to 1,800 swim teachers is needed to meet demand in Victoria, and we’re proud to be able to do what we can to support the aquatic industry by encouraging new swim teachers to consider joining the industry,” said Dennis.

“On top of being a rewarding role, being a swim teacher is also incredibly flexible. With 600 public and private swimming pools across Victoria and shifts to suit an array of lifestyles, we’re particularly encouraging students, parents returning to the workforce and retirees to consider swim teaching.”

Candidates will be provided with a three-year industry license and access to a wide range of associated benefits including free professional development and CPR training. In addition, Life Saving Victoria will work with candidates to find a role on completion of the course by introducing them to local facilities who are looking for staff.

Individuals can access the discount and view courses in their area by visiting the LSV training portal.

Aquatic facilities can also take advantage of the discount through group training. Twelve new swim teachers can be trained for just $1,752 by contacting training@lsv.com.au.