Is the WETS Aqua Instructor Course for me?

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

A. The course involves:

• Interactive theory sessions, where you will be expected to partake in group tasks, answer questions, provide feedback to other candidates and other classroom activities.
• Practical active sessions in deep and shallow water.
• Aqua participation and then practise techniques as an Aqua Instructor on pool deck and in the water on numerous occasions. 
• Water safety is an essential skill required by Aqua Instructors; therefore, the WETS Candidate will participate in a basic water rescue module. 
• You will be provided with water safety information and an opportunity to practise and perform basic first aid in the aquatic environment.
• You will gain knowledge, skill and understanding about basic water safety rescue and then will be assessed on your competency.  Your duty of care as an instructor is based on the fact that the class participants under your care remain safe at all times. 

• $569.00 (early bird price for the first 8 enrolments)
• $599.00 (regular price)
• $629.00 (week leading up to the course)

 

A. Yes, during each day of the course there are active sessions in deep and shallow water. You need to be medically and physically fit and able to undertake and participate in the WETS Aqua Instructor course, which includes high energy physical activity on pool deck.

A. The course is delivered over 3 days face-to-face and includes a minimum of 2 practical and 2 theory sessions per day, followed by a practical and theory assessment on day 3 of the course. 

A. No – it is not an industry requirement to have a Certificate III in Fitness qualification in order to teach aqua classes. However, this will be up to the discretion of your employer whether they require this land based qualification in addition to the aqua skill set.   

A. No – the WETS Aqua Instructor Course conducted by AUSTSWIM does not have any formal pre-requisites. However, it does require Aqua Instructor attributes such as:

• pool deck fitness and endurance
• enjoyment of the aquatic environment
• basic water survival skills
• ability to lead a group from pool deck
• musical appreciation
• ability to swim 25 metres
• completion of all pre course assessment tasks

A. It is advisable that you gain a true and accurate representation of what is required by the Aqua Instructor who teaches on the pool deck.  Become a ‘very’ regular participant and familiarise yourself with the expected skill set prior to enrolling into this course.   You will know when you are ready to take the next step. 
 

A. If you already hold a Certificate III in Fitness qualification you will obviously have a sound base for movement on land. The WETS Aqua Instructors Course provides greater detail for the instructor to transfer these land-based principles into planning and preparing activity for the aquatic environment. 

A. AUSTSWIM is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) 104975 and will provide:

• An AUSTSWIM WETS Certificate
• A Statement of Attainment (6 units from the Australian Training Package)
• An AUSTSWIM WETS Aqua Licence and insurance* 
  - Some facilities will require an AUSTSWIM Licence or a registration with either Fitness Australia or Physical Activity Australia. These registered bodies offer insurance options. Again, it is in your best interests to check whether the place of employment includes insurance as part of your working conditions or whether you are required to purchase your own insurance. The WETS Aqua Instructor Course delivered by AUSTSWIM includes insurance. Please see the Terms and Conditions on the AUSTSWIM website.

• Professional Development through these registered bodies:

AUSTSWIM - 10 PD HOURS

Fitness Australia - 15 CEC Points

Physical Activity Australia - 3 PDP Points

REP's - 20 CPD Points

A. In order to teach aqua classes you are required to be registered with a fitness organisation. However, with the introduction of the WETS Licence, candidates now have the added opportunity to register with AUSTSWIM instead or as well.

A. You must be able to:

• Demonstrate a 25 metre swim
• Tow another person at least 10 metres. You will have an opportunity to practice during the course
• Be able to get to the bottom of the pool to retrieve an object
• You must be confident to take the ‘duty of care’ in an aquatic environment seriously, but you don’t have to be an Olympic swimmer!

A. Imagine trying to teach someone how to read if you hadn’t mastered the skill already! The same principle applies here – to become the most effective and employable Aqua Instructor, you must know how it feels to move in the aquatic environment, so AUSTSWIM suggests you become a regular participant before enrolling into the WETS Aqua Instructor Course.  

A. Yes - if you are unable to participate in the required number of aqua classes, you would need to complete additional online learning components which include reviewing aqua classes provided to you online or during the course.

A. Yes, the WETS Aqua Instructor Course provides Professional Development through these registered bodies:

AUSTSWIM - 10 PD HOURS

Fitness Australia - 15 CEC Points

Physical Activity Australia - 3 PDP Points

REP's - 20 CPD Points

A. Once you enrol into the WETS Aqua Instructor Course you will receive a confirmation email. Candidates are recommended to enrol at least 4 weeks prior to the course and no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. This provides you ample time to complete the pre course assessment tasks which include:

• participate in and review at least 3 community aqua classes
• become familiar with the music and routines required for assessment
• ·view and complete the pre course online quiz – (minimum of 10 hours work).

A. The course requires you to complete pre and post course online learning and assessment; all tasks are self-paced.

A. You will learn:

• how the body reacts in water of different depths and temperatures
• principles of movement in water
• aqua science
• music mapping
• moves recommended for specific population groups
• how to conduct a basic water rescue
• effective communication
• use of aquatic equipment
• how to plan, deliver and review an aqua class.

A. You will be in the water twice a day and physically active for at least 45 minutes at a time. This practical experience will assist you in learning how to:

• modify movements to increase and decrease exercise intensity
• become competent in water safety
• familiarise yourself with different aquatic equipment
• enjoy the wonderful world of water
• deliver a routine to music
• use aquatic equipment efficiently.

A. The water safety rescues include:

• a 25 metre swim (using any stroke except backstroke)
• rope, reach, tow and wade rescues
• retrieving from the bottom of the pool.   

A. It is compulsory to successfully complete the pre course work before you attend the course. You will be disadvantaged if you have not completed the pre course work. 

A. Yes - part of the assessment requirements includes approximately 15 hours of supervised industry training.  AUSTSWIM ensures all WETS Aqua Instructor students are very familiar with the effects of movement in water in addition to the skills required to emulate moves in the water on pool deck.

A. Some facilities will require an AUSTSWIM Licence or a registration with either Fitness Australia or Physical Activity Australia.  These agencies offer insurance options.  Again, it is in your best interests to check whether the place of employment includes insurance as part of your working conditions or whether you are required to purchase your own insurance.  The WETS Aqua Instructor Course delivered by AUSTSWIM includes insurance when working less than 20 hours per week as an Aqua Instructor.    

A. Yes, you will be required to have:

• Level II in First Aid and a current CPR.
• AUSTSWIM Declaration and Code of Conduct.
• Current Working With Children Check (WWCC).

A. The WETS Aqua Instructor Course provides the skills and knowledge required to plan and deliver an aqua class for mainstream participants (with consideration for low risk injuries/medical conditions). Whilst the information is valuable, implementing the skill set to the community requires practise. An assessment element of the course is called - ‘Industry Training’. This requires you to shadow teach in 10 minute segments on a number of occasions with qualified instructor(s). The facility will then sign your documentation to verify you are competent in this aqua skill set.

Each pool will have their own HR policy. Ask the facility at which you want to work about their process and qualification requirements when employing Aqua Instructors.

A. Yes – the AUSTSWIM WETS Aqua Licence includes Unit of Competency SISFFIT022 - Instruct aquatic sessions for specific population groups. Additional information can be found in the AUSTSWIM Aqua Guidelines:
http://www.austswim.com.au/AboutUs/IndustryGuidelines/Guidelines.aspx

A. To gain the WETS accreditation, we strongly recommend all course requirements are completed within 3 months. Should you require additional time to complete it all, please contact AUSTSWIM Head Office or email wets@austswim.com.au

A. Yes, the WETS Aqua Instructor Course is part of the suite of AUSTSWIM extension courses. Once you have completed all requirements and gained the WETS Aqua Instructor accreditation this will renew your licence.

A. In order to keep your WETS Licence current, it will need to be renewed every 3 years. The criteria required to successfully renew include:

• a current First Aid and CPR Certificate
• evidence of a minimum of 20 hours Professional Development
• evidence of a minimum of 40 hours instructing aqua classes.

Working with Children Check:
As of July 1 2016 all candidates, aqua instructors and teachers are required to submit aworking with children check (WWCC) when renewing their AUSTSWIM Licence. 

More information about your states WWCC information click here