Queensland Water Safety and Aquatic Collaborative holds first Trainer’s Workshop

Royal Life Saving Society Queensland has advised that the Queensland Water Safety and Aquatic Collaborative (QWSAC) has hosted its first Trainer’s Workshop.

Held on 6th November, QWSAC members presented to over 50 attendees and discussed key aquatic industry changes, youth engagement and career pathways, updates on RTO standards, industry introduction of AI and inclusivity in training.

Established to improve water safety, training delivery standardisation, innovation and technology in the aquatic industry across Queensland, QWSAC includes Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc, SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia, AUSTSWIM and Swimming Queensland.

It aims to:

• Improve safety across Queensland’s aquatic industry

• Foster collaboration while building safety and compliance practice

• Provide standardisation for training delivery

• Share specialist knowledge and changes within the aquatic industry community network.

Through these collaborative efforts, the QWSAC has engaged in joint ventures, with the industry peak bodies including government submissions for funding, securing contracts, and presenting at industry events. By combining resources and expertise the QWSCA are able to present a stronger, more cohesive voice in their advocacy efforts, which is crucial for gaining the attention and support of governmental bodies.

At the recent Trainer’s Workshop, as well as presentations, attendees participated in small group discussions and QWSCA members walked away with valuable insights on how to better support trainers and students in the aquatic industry.

SWIM Coaches and Teachers of Australia Chief Executive, Brendon Ward stated “feedback received from a number of trainers has been that the aquatic industry needs to come together in a meaningful way more often. This joint trainer workshop is an outstanding example of how this can and should be done in the future.

“It has been a cost-effective way for the four-partner organisations to deliver professional development for trainers at an affordable price. A highlight of the feedback from the workshop was the ability for trainers to network, learn and share ideas.”

Paul Barry, Executive Director of Royal Life Saving Queensland, added “trainers from at least six of the key registered training organisations attended. Information was shared freely between the organisations and connections were developed between groups. I can clearly see that we will be a stronger industry if we continue this journey of collaboration.”

QWSAC aims to make the workshop an annual event to continue to deliver support to trainers, swim teachers, employees and students in the aquatic industry and work towards achieving better Vocational Education Training (VET) outcomes.

Image: Attendees at the recent QWSAC Trainer’s Workshop.