Frequently Asked Questions - Training

Frequently Asked Questions - Training

• What do I need to do prior to enrolling to become a teacher of swimming and water safety?

  You MUST provide your valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) number at the time of enrolment in order that AUSTSWIM can verify this. A USI is a reference number required by the Commonwealth statutory office (Student Identifiers Act 2014) and is obtained from the USI Registrar.

  For more information and to create a USI visit  
  https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-your-usi

• What course do I need to enrol into first?

  You must complete the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety™ accreditation before enrolling into an extension course.

• What are AUSTSWIM Extension courses?

  AUSTSWIM extension courses provide you with additional teaching knowledge and skills to teach specific groups. The AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety™ accreditation focuses on general teaching skills for 4 years and older. The extension courses focus on specific population group’s including infants, adults, disability and stroke extension.

• Can I attend and complete an extension course before completing the Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety™ course?

  You must have attended the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety™ course before you can attend an AUSTSWIM extension course. However you cannot be issued your AUSTSWIM extension accreditation until you have been issued your AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety™ accreditation.

• What is the minimum age to enrol into an AUSTSWIM course?

  Candidates may enrol into the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety™ course at 16 years of age but are not eligible to receive the accreditation until they are 17 years of age.

• Do I need to gain the CPR certificate prior to attending the AUSTSWIM course?

  It is not a pre-requisite to gain CPR prior to enrolling. It is recommended candidates hold this certificate prior to undertaking on the job training. The AUSTSWIM teacher licence™ cannot be issued without a current CPR.

• Are there job opportunities?

  An array of job opportunities exist for swimming and water safety teachers in the industry ranging from aquatic facilities, vacation programs and education department programs. If you want to check availability in your area it is recommended you contact some aquatic facilities.   

• Do you need to renew your AUSTSWIM teacher licence™?

  Yes. AUSTSWIM teachers™ must renew their AUSTSWIM teacher licence™ every three years. This registration process ensures AUSTSWIM teachers™ remain current with industry standards. Click here to find out more about renewing your AUSTSWIM teacher licence™.

• What are the pay rates for a swimming and water safety teacher™?

  Please contact the Workplace Ombudsmen to find out more at www.fairwork.gov.au  or call 1313 94 to assist you further.

• I hold a current international swimming teaching qualification. Can I apply for recognition of prior learning?

  AUSTSWIM provides opportunities for recognition of prior learning for some international qualifications. Click here for more information.

• How do I find out more?

  To find out more about course dates click here or call AUSTSWIM on

  1300 885 666

• Do i need a Working with Children Check ( WWCC) before i attend the course?

  A:  As of July 1 2016 all candidates, aqua instructors and teachers are required to submit a working with children check (WWCC) when renewing their AUSTSWIM Licence. 
  
  You will need to apply for a working with children check whilst undertaking the AUSTSWIM course. Many aquatic facilities will require you to provide your WWCC when commencing your practical teaching hours. 
  
  Your AUSTSWIM teacher licence will not be issued without a current working with children check.
  
  More information about your states WWCC information click here