Freqently Asked Questions - Parents

• Where are aquatic programs conducted with AUSTSWIM accredited teachers™?

  Water familiarisation, swimming and water safety classes are conducted at commercial aquatic facilities including private swim schools and home based centres.

   

  Look for the AUSTSWIM platypus logo and valid AUSTSWIM recognised swim centre certificate when you visit an aquatic facility to ensure that only professional AUSTSWIM licenced teachers™ are provided.

   

  To find an AUSTSWIM recognised swim centre in your area, click here.

• What are and Why choose AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centres?

  AUSTSWIM recognised swim centres have been checked and approved by AUSTSWIM for employing only AUSTSWIM licenced teachers™ to deliver learn to swim and water safety education programs within their centre.

   

  The AUSTSWIM accreditation licence™ is the industry standard for swimming and water safety teachers™ and is delivered and recognised in each state and territory of Australia and many countries overseas.

• How do I know my child’s teacher holds an AUSTSWIM Teacher Licence™?

  If in doubt parents should request to see the AUSTSWIM Teacher Licence™ for their teacher. This licence verifies and validates a teacher’s current competency and professionalism.

   

  It’s important to ensure that your child’s teacher holds a current and appropriate AUSTSWIM Teacher Licence™ according to the aquatic education program being taught.  For further information on the AUSTSWIM licence available, click here.

• At what age should my child begin swimming and water safety lessons?

  AUSTSWIM advise that infants join aquatic activity programs from 6 months of age.

   

  AUSTSWIM do not recommend formal aquatic education programs for infants under the age of 6 months. This recommendation is based on information from medical and child development experts who identify that not all infants under 6 months are physically or developmentally ready to be in a formal aquatic education program.

   

  Infants may also be introduced to the aquatic environment through home water play at bath time. This is a great way to introduce your baby to water before commencing formal lessons.

• What should learn to swim and water safety classes include?

  AUSTSWIM teachers™ give children opportunities to enjoy the aquatic learning experience in a positive environment that offers a variety of educational activities.

   

  AUSTSWIM recommends that short regular lessons (ie 1 per week for 30 minutes) create the best learning experiences.  

   

  Infant and Preschool Programs

  Seek programs that offer a range of activities including water familiarisation, social interaction, water safety education, skill acquisition and parent education.

   

  Swimming and Water Safety Programs

  These classes should offer a range of activities that enhance learning for water familiarisation, stroke development, personal water safety and survival knowledge and skill.

• How quickly will my child learn?

  Learning is a continuous personal process unique to each individual. Learning aquatic knowledge and skill evolves over a period of time. Ongoing consistent participation aids the learning process.

• How many students should be in the class?

  AUSTSWIM recommends class ratios that vary according to the age and competency of students and the venue being utilised.  The following table is a summary of the recommended ratio’s for infant and preschool programs.

  Classification	Age (Months)	Performance Indicator	Maximum Ratio
  Baby	0 - 6	Sensory exploration	with parent at home
  Infant	6 - 12	Water familiarisation and initial independence	1:1 Parent/Child
  Toddler 1	12 - 24	Water familiarisation and Initial independence	1:8 teacher/parent -child pairs
  Toddler 2	24 - 36	Water familiarisation and basic skill development	1:8 teacher/parent - child pairs
  Preschooler 1	36 - 42	Water familiarisation and basic skill development	1:4 teacher - children
  Preschooler 2	42 - 60	Confidence and basic aquatic skill develioment	1:5 teacher - children

  To view AUSTSWIM’s recommendations and aquatic education program guidelines click here.

• How can I become an accredited AUSTSWIM teacher™?

  Excellent opportunities exist for AUSTSWIM Teachers™; they are always in high demand. If you are interested in finding out how to become an AUSTSWIM teacher of swimming and water safety™ click here.

• How much do learn to swim and water safety lessons cost?

  Learn to swim and water safety education lessons vary between centres and programs.

   

  Some swim centres offer a variety of payment option plans.