Swim Coaches and Teachers unveils revolution in swim teacher qualifications

Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia, the peak body for education for swimming coaches, teachers, and swim schools has launched its newly developed ‘Gap’ training program for swim teachers - the first aquatics RTO to do so since the update of the national qualification of swimming and water safety teacher in December 2023.

The training program is aimed at empowering swim instructors with advanced knowledge and skills and fills the gap between the previous module of the SISSS00112 Swimming and Water Safety Teacher, which was superseded in Training .gov.au (VET) in coordination with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) review cycle, to the new and current module SISSS00132 Swimming and Water Safety Teacher qualification.

Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia (SWIM/SCTA) Chief Executive, Brendon Ward explained “last year ASQA and the aquatic industry undertook a mammoth update of the Certificate III in Aquatics and Recreation, of which the Swimming and Water Safety Teacher qualification falls.

“The qualification was due for an upgrade to meet the ever-evolving aquatic industry, having not been updated since 2015.”

“Our National Education Manager Rhiannon Kocmar was instrumental in updating the teaching module for our SWIM Australia Teacher qualification and creating the Gap program, to ensure Australian swim teachers remain the best in the world with water safety education.”

The Gap training program serves as a significant addition to the education of swim teachers, allowing the aquatic professionals to enhance their professional profile and opening doors to new opportunities within the industry.

SWIM/SCTA National Education Manager, Rhiannon Kocmar added “one of the key highlights of the Gap training for us is its recognition in our industry.“Those who choose to complete the training program will receive the five new units of competency and five Professional Development points, enriching their skill set and equipping them with the latest techniques and methodologies in aquatic instruction.”

Ward went on to say "with SWIM's Gap training, we're not just renewing qualifications, we're revolutionising them.

“We encourage all teachers to join us in shaping the future of aquatic education with the Gap training.”

SWIM/SCTA has a range of priorities for the further development of learn-to-swim programs, the swim safety industry and the sport of swimming.

Click here for more information about Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia.