As aquatic facilities across NSW continue to re-open, Royal Life Saving acknowledges the impact the past few months has had on many of our Swim Schools. We recently surveyed hundreds of facilities across NSW to quantify the impact COVID has had on Swim Schools and their ability to operate in the current climate.
The results highlighted an overall shortage of Swim teachers in NSW in both metro and regional areas.
The key finds of this survey were as follows:
· 92.54% of Swim schools were impacted by COVID and their ability to operate their retain or recruit Swim Teachers
· 24% of Swim Schools are currently unable to open
· 46% of Swim Schools are operating, but in a reduced capacity
· Of the venues that responded from all over NSW, there was an overall average of 9.9 teachers required per venue
· For Sydney Metro pools, the average number of required Swim teachers is 12.11
· For Regional NSW Pools, the average number of required Swim Teachers is 8.84
The feedback and comments of respondents highlighted frustrations around lack of teachers and the inability to recruit and train new teachers. Regional Pools were particularly affected due to lack of courses and updates available in some areas.
So, what is Royal Life Saving doing to assist the Industry?
Royal Life Saving launched a brand-new Swim Teacher course at the start of this year. This Nationally accredited course (SISSS00112 – Swimming and Water Safety Teacher) provides candidates with a licence to teach swimmers aged 4+ and includes HLTAID009 - Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation as part of the course – so no need to complete you CPR prior!
The course is aligned to the National Swimming & Water Safety Framework and involves completing an online pre-course component, 1 day face to face training and completion of on the job supervised training hours. This is a fully funded course for eligible NSW candidates and is available throughout NSW with course dates now live on our website.
As we continue to roll, out our Swim Teacher course, Royal Life Saving is now also offering specialisation course: SISCAQU011 - Promote development of infants and toddlers in an aquatic environment. The course is 100% online with no pre-requisites and on the job training required to complete the course. Candidates can book into this course via the training page on our website and complete at your own pace.
If you cannot find a course in your region and would like to discuss booking a course in your area, please contact our course Coordinator Renee Amidy: swimteacher@royalnsw.com.au
To find your nearest Swim Teacher course and check the funding eligibility criteria, please visit our funded training page: FUNDED TRAINING (drowningprevention.org.au)
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