Swimfiles and the National Media

SWIM FILES

VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 JANUARY - MARCH 2017 swimaustralia.org.au

Swim Australia Executive Officer Gary Toner

Welcome Message

Dear Swim Schools

What an exciting time in this “New Era” of Swim Australia. The following two new initiatives have begun: “SwimFREE AUSTRALIA” and the “Dawn Fraser - every child is encouraged to learn to swim” promotions. Both are highlighted in this edition of Swimfiles and the national media.

The Swim Australia 15 second and 30 second Community Service Announcement currently being aired nationally on television, is creating brand awareness and encouraging people to learn to swim at a Swim Australia Swim School.

Other updates are the Swim Australia Awards which have been expanded to include three levels of Swim Schools - small, medium and large. We have also increased our presence at the PBC’s by adding two more events and converted our “Parenting Tips” into both simplified and traditional Chinese to access the different markets around Australia.

Swim Australia’s professional development program for 2017 is reaching into regional areas of Australia to provide opportunities for education and networking.

We continue to strive to provide value-added services for Swim Schools and Staff for a “SAFER” water environment.

SAFER. Gary Toner Executive Officer SMARTER. Swim Australia STRONGER. CONTENTS

3 DAWN FRASER’S CALL TO “LEARN TO SWIM” 5 EXCITING NEW INITIATIVE - SWIMFREE AUSTRALIA 7 MAKING THE MOST OF INFANTS CLASSES COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND 10 ADULTS WITH AUTISM AND OTHER LIFELONG DISABILITIES

11 VIETNAM SWIM MISSION 14 HALE SWIM SCHOOL 16 SWIMMING IN FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND 1970’S

18 2016 SWIMSAFER AWARDS

20 FITNESS INDUSTRY AWARD 22 PBC EXPO 24 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR HIRING STAFF

26 JUNIOR DOLPHINS 28 ASCTA CONVENTION 2017 30 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 31 ASCTA NEWS / CALENDAR

Producer: Gary Toner

Design and Editing: Julie Emmerson

Assistant Editor: Kim Paroz

Contributions: Gary Toner, Jodi Harrison, David Trembath, Shannon Townsend, Sara Levien, Janet Evans, Nancy Shaw,

Saxon Marsden-Huggins, Junior Dolphins, Jay Johnston, Julie Speechley.

The content of the SwimFILES is copyright protected and may not be reproduced without written permission from Swim Australia, the exception being Swim Schools currently registered with Swim Australia. Articles reflect the personal opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publisher, Swim Australia or ASCTA.

SWIM FILES // ISSUE 1 2017

2 SWIMFILES Dawn Fraser’s call for all Australians to LEARN TO SWIM

Olympic swimming icon Dawn Fraser has been the face this summer of the campaign to encourage every Australian child to learn to swim.

Fraser, Australia’s greatest Olympian, has teamed up with Swim Australia – the peak industry body for over 600 Swim Schools – in an all-out effort to develop “learn to swim” in Australia to its full potential - and to save lives. Dawn Fraser Swim Australia Ambassador

The four-time Olympic gold medallist who was recognised by the IOC as the Greatest Living Female Water Sports Champion, has a strong message to all Australians.

“Learning to swim is an asset for life”. says Fraser.

“It is so important for all Australian children to learn to swim; this country of ours is an island; we are surrounded by water no matter where we go; you only have to go into the country, there’s dams, rivers, lakes and creeks which is why every child in this country must learn to swim”.

“We go out in boats and sometimes we put life jackets on and sometimes we don’t”.

“If kids fall overboard they can’t swim and we lose them. We don’t want to lose any more children”.

“We have had too many drownings in this country over the last 10 years so let’s do something about it”.

“To hear of another child drowning makes me very sad; just recently we tragically lost two young sisters who climbed over the swimming pool fence”.

“I know with my own grandson who wanted to ride a jet ski – I made him swim 400 metres in case he got into trouble and so he could get back to shore”.

“That is one of the stipulations I put on him and I think we should do that with all our children”.

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SWIMFILES 3

“That’s why I’m supporting Swim Australia to encourage every Australian child to learn to swim”.

“My message is loud and clear to mums and dads “teach your kids to swim – it’s an asset for life and it can save their SWIM 365 lives”. days SCHOOLS “Go to a Swim Australia accredited swim school and you know you will be in the safest hands and start swimming every day - the more you swim the better you get at it.”

Fraser has been joined in the “learn to swim” push by three-time Olympic kayak medallist Ken Wallace who had to participate aspirations of becoming an Olympic swimmer before turning his attentions to paddling. SwimFREE Australia “I started out as a swimmer and I believe it formed the basis of my career in lifesaving and eventually as an Olympic kayaker,” said Wallace. IS AN OPTIONAL PROGRAM

“It is now time for my kids to learn to swim and I know how important it is as a parent to ensure the safety of your children around water”. What is SwimFREE Australia

“My three-year-old, Nixon lives in the water and I feel so at ease knowing he is proficient in the water”. A Swim Australia initiative for participating Swim Australia Swim Schools to provide four (4) FREE swim lessons to new Swim School customers. Conditions will apply. “I am only too happy to praise the efforts of Swim Australia and Dawn Fraser in the work they are doing to encourage The SwimFREE Program (5 years and under) is custom designed to suit your Swim School. all parents to have their kids taught to swim”. Please see “Custom Design” section below.

“It’s a no-brainer for mine.” says Ken Wallace. Why SwimFREE Australia

We believe this initiative will drive new business to Swim Australia Swim Schools whilst focusing on drowning prevention and creating a SAFER, SMARTER, STRONGER community.

Swim Australia has joined Ambassador Dawn Fraser’s “Call for all Australians to Learn to Swim”. Teaching children and adults to swim and apply water safety awareness is another step in the PREVENTION of drowning.

The SwimFREE Australia initiative is to address the fact that 2016-17 has been one of the worst periods for drownings on record and to work together to raise awareness of the need for everyone to learn to swim and help Australians be SAFER around water.

We recognise that Learn to Swim is one of the layers of protection to help Australians be SAFER around water and as the industry leading body for Learn to Swim, we recommend all Swim Schools participate in the SwimFREE program.

Is SwimFREE compulsory as a Swim Australia member?

NO. The SwimFREE Australia program is voluntary so you have the choice to opt-in.

If you choose to OPT-IN to the SwimFREE Australia program, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of SwimFREE Australia and will be required to offer your customers: - Four (4) FREE Swim Lessons to new customers for 5 years and under in “Learn to Swim”

Custom Design the SwimFREE program to suit YOUR Swim School requirements” 1. Swim Schools may charge an admin fee that may include items such as caps and goggles 2. Each Swim School can offer Free Lessons to all new children 6 years and over and may also extend this offer to include all new adults (18yrs+) 3. The sign-up period is dependent on each Swim School and must be clearly stated upon registration 4. SwimFREE Australia program is available until 31 December 2017 5. Lessons are subject to availability - days and times may vary with each Swim School 6. Individual Swim School policies apply for illness and make-up lessons 7. Pool admission may be an additional cost 8. Any extra costs associated with Learn to Swim must be clearly stated in terms and conditions

4 SWIMFILES SWIM 365 days SCHOOLS

to participate SwimFREE Australia IS AN OPTIONAL PROGRAM

What is SwimFREE Australia

A Swim Australia initiative for participating Swim Australia Swim Schools to provide four (4) FREE swim lessons to new Swim School customers. Conditions will apply. The SwimFREE Program (5 years and under) is custom designed to suit your Swim School. Please see “Custom Design” section below.

Why SwimFREE Australia

We believe this initiative will drive new business to Swim Australia Swim Schools whilst focusing on drowning prevention and creating a SAFER, SMARTER, STRONGER community.

Is SwimFREE compulsory as a Swim Australia member?

NO. The SwimFREE Australia program is voluntary so you have the choice to opt-in.

SWIMFILES 5 Beneﬁts for Swim Schools

1. Increased exposure to attract new customers to your Swim School 2. National Advertising and Promotional Campaigns for SwimFREE Australia that will feature on TV, Social Media and in Press Releases 3. Swim Australia will apply participating Swim School branding to SwimFREE Australia Pictographs/jpegs for Swim School use on Social Media ie. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 4. Promotion at seven (7) PBC Events throughout Australia and various national and regional events 5. SwimFREE logo will appear on Swim School Locator and available for Swim Schools to use on appropriate marketing materials

Customer Scenario Mother Lisa has two (2) children, Sam aged 5 is currently attending LTS and his sister Katie aged (3) not learning to swim yet. Katie would be eligible for SwimFREE Australia.

Member Scenario Finding Nemo Swim School do not provide make up lessons for customers in the delivery of LTS programs, so when participating in SwimFREE Australia Initiative, Finding Nemo Swim School would opt in and include no makeup lessons as part of optional conditions.

I P T I C AT I A R N P G

FREE AUSTRALIA SWIM

FREE S W SWIM LESSONS 7 1 I M 0 2 S C H O O L

SAFER. SMARTER. STRONGER. with a Swim Australia registered swim school 6 SWIMFILES MAKING THE MOST OF INFANTS CLASSES TM Teacher, Swim Central, Tasmania. Jodi Harrison, Swim Australia

“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and SNAP, the job’s a game.” Finding the Fun

Fans of “Mary Poppins” will recognise this stolen line from a song. With kid’s swimming classes I believe it should be the mantra. If we can find a fun way to do things, then the rest is easy.

Parents as well as children need to enjoy what they’re doing during the half hour they spend under your guidance. A bored parent is probably a worse issue than a bored child – they don’t respond to cajoling and their lack of enthusiasm can be infectious – often spreading beyond the changing rooms after class to the ears of their friends and colleagues. We all know that “word of mouth” is the best advertisement – a bored or unenthusiastic parent can be the worst!

So how can you inject a bit of fun into your classes? Easy. Involve the parents and the children in your format by making their individual preferences part of the class. Use the parents and their kids to inspire you to make up new games, new songs and new activities.

Grin and Share It “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.” Smiles are contagious. When you smile at a child you offer reassurance and friendship. When you smile at their parent, you give them exactly the same thing. When you’re speaking to a class and instructing, smiling while you talk lifts the voice and lightens the atmosphere. Swimming Instructors are often known for their “happy, friendly faces” and you can win over most parents and children simply by offering a genuine smile, interest and enthusiasm during your class.

Smiling shows that you are confident with your skills and with your knowledge. It opens the doors for conversation and sharing of information. It makes you approachable. Never underestimate the power of a smile!

Pssst...do you want to know a secret?

Toddlers love secrets. They love to know things that grown ups don’t and they love to share “special moments” that are just for kids. Sure, their parents are still there, they’re in the pool, but they’re not in the “inner circle” – pushed into the middle of the group listening to their teacher telling them something special. (Okay – they can actually hear your “stage whispered” instructions, otherwise this might not work, but they’re not part of the “kid’s club”.)

Offering the children a secret, complete with giggles and loud “ssshhhhhh” noises draws them into your private world. They lean in towards you and listen carefully, wide eyed and happy to be part of the web you are weaving. “Ssshhhh. Don’t let Mum or Dad know this – we’re going to surprise them” you whisper.

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SWIMFILES 7 It can be something as simple as kicking legs with splashy enthusiasm, it could be showing them that bubbles go up, it could be that nobody sinks, it could even be that they can put their face in the water and it doesn’t hurt one bit! A simple activity that makes them feel special because it was all a big secret – something that their parents didn’t know.

I noticed years ago that children would do things without thinking about them if you gave them another a focus. During “Simon Says” most of the “dry head” class would happily submerge, caught up in the excitement of the game. For the younger ones, I made up a little song that did the job just as well ….

“Put your chin into the water” “Blow some bubbles like you oughter” “Then your nose and next your eyes” “Give your Mum a big surprise!”

The same theory worked for the good old “Blink and Blow” practice.

This simple song is one that most of my parents and children join in singing.

“Don’t forget to Blink and Blow” “Blink and Blow, Blink and Blow” “Don’t forget to Blink and Blow” “The water right away!”

Singers and Songwriters

“But I can’t sing” I hear this a lot. And it’s wrong. Everyone can sing, it’s just that some sing better than others. And the quality of the singing itself is not important. Getting involved in the activity is and singing a song can make all the difference.

Singing is something that most parents do with their children. “Twinkle Twinkle”, “One-Two-Three-Four-Five once I caught a fish alive”, common nursery rhymes and songs that you heard in your own childhood. They are rhythmic, easy to learn and offer familiar territory for both parent and child. Even if you don’t believe you sing well, you should still sing. If you sing off-key – who cares? The children won’t criticise you, most likely they’ll think you’re being funny. If you forget the tunes, it doesn’t matter – just enjoy the words and effect they have. (One of my staff who loves doing infants classes sings every song to the tune of “Here we go ‘round the Mulberry Bush” and no-one in her classes has ever picked it. Her love of what she is doing and her wonderful manner with parents and children overwhelm her musical skills. The singing is not important but the song is.)

If you can’t sing well, why not practice? There are plenty of tapes and CDs of children’s music available and Play School is a must for any infants instructor. Get in front of a mirror and look at yourself singing. Smile, pull a face, sing with the style of musical comedy. Sing with oomph. Use a range of different voices – loud, soft, high, low, comical or serious. It all adds to the enjoyment for the class. And don’t forget the benefits of singing for Swimming Instructors – vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises and good technique all help preserve our most important tool – our voice!

Writing Songs

You don’t have to be Billy Joel or Paul Simon to write a song that will be a hit with the under 4’s. Hi-5 and the Wiggles have proven that – listen to their songs if you don’t believe me. They’re repetitive and have simple themes.

For credibility in your song writing, having a rhyme helps. Some of the words that are appropriate for swimming lessons have lots of possibilities.

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8 SWIMFILES Water Oughter, Daughter, Sort-a, Caught-a, Bought-a Plop Drop, Mop, Flop, Top, Hop Pool Cool, Rule, School, Tool, Fool, Full, Jump Bump, Thump, Lump Under Thunder, Wonder, Blunder, Wash Gosh, Splosh, Down Frown, Clown, Brown, One, Two View, Blue, Who, New, Flew Blow Go, Flow, No, Dough, Though Wave Save, Brave, Bathe How Now, Cow, Bow, Nose Toes, Blows Splish Fish, Wish, Dish, Swish, High Fly, Sky, Pie Splash Dash, Crash, Bash, All you need is a simple tune and an idea to make up your own song. I often find that the activity for the song comes first and the tune just works itself out. Rewriting history / songs can be as easy as changing a couple of words in a nursery rhyme to following your activity idea.

For example:- TUNE - All the little fish are swimming in the water ACTIVITY - Digging Arms CHANGE TO - All the little puppies digging in the water ….

For the more “adventurous”, you can rewrite almost the whole song.

REWRITE - I can see the puppies digging in the water, etc….. Try to use songs that already have a fun theme to them. One that I put together that all my parents and kids enjoy is “We’ll be Splashing all the Water in the Pool” – it’s an alternative warm up to “Mulberry Bush” and those other songs that link progressive activities. It’s rollicking because it’s sung to the tune of “She’ll be Coming ‘round the Mountain When She Comes” and it’s got a natural chorus of “singing yi yi yippee yippee yay” that punctuates the song with cowboy style “yeeha’s and yahoos”. (You may be using this one already as I have been sharing my songs for a couple of decades now.) Younger classes can find this style of song a little intimidating so it’s best to find a gentler alternative.

Teaching Infants’ classes can be so much more than just swimming and water safety skills. These little sponges will soak up everything and it’s an opportunity not to be lost. We pride ourselves on teaching social niceties (sharing, pleases and thank you’s), body parts, numbers, counting, letters, colours, even spelling and reading. It’s a great way to add more to your classes just by thinking a little differently about the tools and equipment you have available to you. For example, like other centres, we have the little stackable boats. We don’t just collect them (propulsion, digging, kicking, reaching, body position, floating, independence, etc..), we sort them by colour and then count them back into the bucket to pack them up at the end of the game. We use the floating letters to spell names and simple words, on the side of the pool, on kickboards or even on the big mat (and because the foam letters are different colours it’s another opportunity to talk colours, enable choices to be made and encourage independence). Keep in Touch!

Networking was the buzzword in the 90s. It’s all about making connections and sharing information. Facebook has completely opened up the opportunities and there are numerous groups out there you can join to share, brainstorm and troubleshoot with other dedicated Infants Instructors. I started a page called Aquatic Educators – Tasmania. It’s only small at present, but it’s a forum where people can discuss trends, share ideas and contact other instructors. Any instructor is welcome to join (regardless of location), the more the merrier. If people want song ideas, photos of set ups or even advice for difficult students / parents, they just need to ask. Facebook makes it easy to upload videos, pictures and even sound files.

It’s not hard to be different and add new dimensions to your teaching. Just be brave, think outside the norm and experiment with a friendly class to see how it works (and get feedback from the parents!)

SWIMFILES 9 Evidence-based communication interventions and supports for children, adolescents and adults with Autism and other lifelong disabilities.

David Trembath | Senior Lecturer 2. Have great expectations! There is no physical Co-Lead Rehabilitation and Resilience reason why a child, adolescent, or adult with autism Group should not be able to swim. However, they may have difficulty coping with the busy learning environment. Menzies Health Institute Queensland Which brings us to the third tip... Griffith University Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects 3. Support comprehension. Many individuals on the way people interact with, and learn from, other the autism spectrum have difficulty understanding people and their environment. Each person with autism other people’s verbal and non-verbal communication, has an individual learning profile of strengths and especially if they are feeling anxious or uncertain. Where difficulties, leading it to be described as a ‘spectrum’ possible, establish a routine for lessons so the steps disorder. As Dr Stephen Shore once said, “If you’ve met become predictable, simplify your language to the most one person with autism, you’ve met one person with important key words and use these consistently, and try autism.” Nevertheless, to receive a diagnosis of autism, to ‘show what you mean’ using natural supports (e.g., all people must present with (1) social-communication holding up kickboard to indicate next part of lesson) difficulties and (2) restricted, repetitive, and/or sensory and/or pictures to illustrate the steps. interests and behaviours. 4. Apply what already works. Generally speaking, long There is a range of evidence-based communication before a student on the spectrum first comes to your interventions available for children with autism, as well pool, others will have worked out how best to support as a large number of ineffective and, at times, harmful his or her learning more broadly. These people include interventions. Parents, caregivers, and educators parents, caregivers, teachers, allied health workers, should consult speech pathologists who understand the other family, and friends. Start by asking for this science behind communication interventions, in order to information, and apply the strategies that have worked select an approach that is most likely to suit the person’s successfully in other settings. needs. Research has shown that there is currently no single best intervention for all intervention with autism, Learning to swim is not only essential for safety, it also given it is a spectrum disorder, and thus interventions provides an extremely valuable opportunity for social that claim to work equally well for all individuals, or to engagement, learning, and participation in what can be ‘cure’ autism, should be avoided. a very fun and enjoyable environment. Through working with parents/caregivers, speech pathologists, and So what can swimming teachers do to support students other professionals and educators, swimming teachers on the autism spectrum? Here are some tips based on can maximise the chances of success when it comes to the lessons learned from research to date. supporting students on the spectrum to learn to swim. In doing so, they not only help to secure each student’s 1. Don’t assume anything! As noted above, each safety, but also broaden the range of rich and rewarding student on the spectrum will present with individual water-based activities that he or she can enjoy. strengths and difficulties, as well as preferences and personality. This is true of all students with or without disability, and sometimes it takes a little while to work out how best to teach each student. Feel comfortable to take this time, and work with the person who knows her or him best to develop your plan.

10 SWIMFILES Our Vietnam Swim Mission was an amazing experience!

Shannon Townsend Swim Australia TM Course Presenter

ride to An Bang beach. This was a mental and physical challenge for some of the group as they hadn’t ridden in a number of years. A sense of achievement was felt The opportunity to following our safe return. That afternoon we met our travel to Vietnam to teach swimming guide from Wide Eyed Tours and the Swim Vietnam team had been on my radar for a few years and in 2014 the for the first time. We were invited to Swim Vietnam’s Glennie Aquatic Centre (GAC) team decided we would ‘family night’ which included lots of tasty food, karaoke, participate in the Mission Travels Swim Mission to learning to cheers in Vietnamese - Mote, Hi, Bah, Yoh!! Vietnam in the Winter holidays of 2016. (and believe me we got plenty of practice!!). This was a great icebreaker and introduction for both the GAC and The lead up was a great team building experience with Swim Vietnam teams. heaps of planning and fundraising activities including BBQ’s, raffles, chocolate sales and one heck of a Day three was our first in the pool. We split into two final party themed “Boho Palooza”. Over 100 people teams and took it in turns to teach the morning and purchased tickets and dressed in the bohemian theme afternoon sessions for the next five days. to enjoy big band, covers band and DJ music late into the evening. Swim Vietnam, a registered charity located in flood prone Central Vietnam trains swimming teachers, builds The atmosphere at The Glennie Aquatic Centre in the pool and works in partnership with the government to lead up was exciting with our swimming families getting establish swim schools which give free swimming and involved, wishing us well, participating in news footage water safety lessons to around 3,000 each year. Local and articles and enjoying our energy as we got closer to governments now support 20% of program costs and June 2016. since 2008 around 17,500 students have successfully completed the Swim Vietnam survival swimming The departure date snuck up on us and following 24 program. Classroom based water safety presentations hours of travel (including a few buses and three planes) have been delivered to over 30,000 primary school we arrived in Danang. Many a sound effect was heard children. from the tired travellers as we experienced the chaotic traffic from our groovy red and white bus. We arrived Drowning is the leading cause of mortality among at the Van Loi Hotel in Hoi An late, jumped in the pool children over the age of one in Vietnam, with drowning and had a quick bite to eat before heading off for a well- deserved sleep. continued next page

Day two saw the team finding their way in this new culture with a local asking us to “buy, buy, buy” at every turn. It was a little overwhelming to begin with, however we all found our stride as time went on, learned to say no politely and haggle for a better price. The Vietnamese economy is better off following our visit! That evening we experienced the night market, the Japanese friendship bridge and our first real local cuisine.

On day three all 11 of us hired bikes and dared the traffic on a 15 minute

SWIMFILES 11 We know that swimming is best with a relaxed body... most of the Vietnamese children, having only been introduced to lessons on average age 10 or 11 were quite rigid, however they persisted, often coming up coughing and spluttering, just to continue on. Only one of over 250 children we saw was scared and not willing to try.

We had a lot of fun with the instructors and children. Our Vietnamese guide, Quy translated for us where necessary and there were lots of laughs and hand actions as we all tried to understand each other. We learned a number of key Vietnamese swimming words (eg dapchung – kick) and used them often much to the delight of the local instructors. At the end of each session they asked us for a new game. Often these games turned into something completely different than statistics higher than the road toll (which would surprise intended. The children and instructors had fun never- you once you had experienced the traffic – they have the-less. guidelines, not rules!). Reasons for the increasing number of child deaths from drowning include; unsafe On one of the days my half of the team rode to the pool environments, limited awareness, inadequate adult for our afternoon teaching session. It poured rain and supervision and a lack of swimming skills. thunder prevented us from entering the pool for our lessons. Four of us had ridden to the pool, two Swim The GAC team spent most our time at the first pool built Vietnam teachers and a number of children and their by Swim Vietnam - a 6 lane 25m pool with an ankle parents on scooters bunkered down in the shelter as deep shallow end and 0.9m deep end. It was a challenge the waters rose. For the first time during our trip I teaching in the slippery pool at these depths, however hadn’t taken my waterproof ukulele with me…I’m not it was built this way so “no one would drown”. Any one to miss an opportunity to inject some fun and additional pools built have more appropriate depths for interest, so I started teaching my staff yoga and invited teacher and swimmer comfort. The lane ropes at our the Vietnamese to join in. Once all postures that are pool were made from rope and old water bottles. appropriate in ankle deep water were complete we moved onto Australian handclapping games, the hokey Black cotton muscle shirts and knee length shorts are pokey and the children singing for us. It was a funny and supplied to all students in the Swim Vietnam program, memorable afternoon. We eventually rode home in the which they return once their 18 free lessons are drizzling rain. complete. The majority of children swim with no goggles and no caps – we ended up purchasing hair bands as I also attended the newly introduced paid lessons at it was difficult for the girls with long hair to swim and another school pool located in the middle of rice fields. learn side breathing. The 45 minute lesson plans were The lessons were reasonably similar to ours with more focused mainly on survival. Lessons were broken down of a focus on correct swimming techniques as well as into safety rules, water familiarisation, front work, back safety. The pool was divided into 10 different sections for work, survival and rescue and games with a certain the different classes ranging from complete beginners amount of time allocated to certain skills each lesson. to a junior squad. I observed and assisted with lessons over a 2.5 hour period. The kids and parents were all so We were interested in the different techniques and teaching styles used. The most intriguing was the unusual back floating technique which I had never seen in over 25 years of teaching in Australia. I have always taught a starfish float. The Vietnamese were teaching head right back, hands sculling and legs moving in a reverse cycling motion. We tried this and found it very difficult. Over the following days we were able to introduce a relaxed star float to the students and instructors which they all seemed to enjoy and understand why.

One of the Vietnamese teachers threw scoops of water over the children’s face while they were back floating to simulate rough water. Our precious Australian children and adults would be uncomfortable with this technique but I could see where he was coming from with this particular practice and the children seemed OK with it.

12 SWIMFILES happy to be there. These children were more relaxed to learn different techniques, improve their classes, teach swimmers than the school swimmers as most started at the children with limited Vietnamese and experience a a much earlier age. The instructors were quite rigid in sense of community and achievement as well as learning following their lessons plans and the use of floaties was a few new techniques ourselves. We all got more out of prolific. During one class I was assisting with I removed being involved than we thought possible and are looking the floaties from two children as I could see they were to return to assist for a three week period in the future. capable. I had them do the activities a few times and when the instructor saw the lack of floaties he came No overseas trip should be without cultural experiences over saying “no, no, no, no” and put them on so we could and our last four days were jam packed. We travelled follow the plan. to the historical city of Hue, had dinner with a family in their home, went on a motorbike tour that took us At the end of each class the children move to the deep through small village lanes and onto major highways. end (1.8m) and all practice treading water – again this is Visited the conical hat village, the rice museum, many a different technique. They start in the water with three beautiful temples and the Kings Imperial palace. We floaties on each arm, bellies against the wall, knees overnighted on a Junk boat in Halong Bay, swam in the bent towards buttocks, arms bent, head right back. On ocean, kayaked through caves and even taught the crew “go” they let go of the wall, backwards cycle with their to line dance! legs and circle their arms for 30 seconds. This is done a number of times until no floaties are left. Again I took Deciding to travel to Vietnam was a fantastic plan. It floaties off my two swimmers and got “no, no, no, no”. was great for the team, the Aquatic Centre and each This time I was able to explain to the instructor that they of us individually. I would highly recommend it to any could swim – he then had them assessed and moved to swimming teacher looking for a new challenge, to spice the next level. up their life or simply to share vital swimming and water safety skills to those in need. Participating in the Swim Vietnam program was excellent. We felt we were able to assist the instructors

Go to www.swimvietnam.com if you wish to volunteer or would like to donate to a great cause.

SWIMFILES 13 Sara Levien. Aquatics Manager.

• Visually be safe for the swimmer, instructor, About us pool deck supervisor and Swim School Manager, Hale Swim School commenced classes in • Visually look like fun for the swimmer and to October, 2014 and offers a unique after school ‘Learn to attract the attention of the visiting new client, Swim’ programme. It has been developed to educate both and... swimmers and parents so that we can work together to • Visually be bright and colourful - enhancing decrease the chances of preventable drowning. Lessons the whole programme vibe. are currently available in group classes and/or private lessons for all ages, the level progressions providing a Making the lesson experience fun for the swimmer broad balanced programme of swimming, water safety makes it fun for the parent, it gives the swimmers and survival skills in preparation of a lifetime of safe something to look forward to and results in it being a lot activity in, or near any aquatic environment. easier to get the children to their weekly lessons.

Hale Swim School Manager, Sara Levien, has a long Each of the Swim School levels are identified by a history in the Aquatic Industry and has been an integral different coloured Swim Cap as well as a Cap Character part of the Hale Swim School since its conception. on each Cap. Caps are given at the time of assessment “The Swim School has been operating near capacity and enrolment, free of charge as the price is absorbed since commencing its first lessons. Parents have been into the cost of the lesson. When all skills in the level impressed with the skills their children are learning are attained - at the end of the Term or end of Holiday and the quality of teaching they have been receiving programme - new caps are issued to identify the new as well as the personal customer service provided. The level. The Caps are the reward / gift and provide a sense swimmer’s bound into their lessons every day with of accomplishment to the swimmer, taking the place of a enthusiasm, wearing their coloured Swim Caps proudly certificate. It is beneficial to the swimmer as well as for displaying their swim level.” the overall swim programme.

Coloured Swim Caps with Cap Characters The added ingredient…….. To go with a fresh new Aquatic Centre we wanted to To enhance the ray of colour in the pool at the time the promote a Swim School ‘with a difference’. Three words swim school is in full operation, the swim instructors came to mind “safe, fun and colourful”. wear the same colour hats as the level they are teaching.

14 SWIMFILES The benefits of Instructors wearing Coloured Hats to match the Swim Level:

• All instructors are Sun Smart • The instructors add to the colour festival • It is easy for swimmers/ parents to identify where their swimming station is situated -especially when the pool is busy. • See the ownership of the level initiated by the instructor through them wearing the same colour.

Testimonials in support of the Coloured Swim Cap Character Initiative The hats are bucket hats and are provided for the instructors. It is a fun and novel way for the instructors My two sons swim in the swim programme to join in. at Hale. Initially the red swimming cap with a Jellyfish on it made my little, nervous son The benefits of the wearing a SWIM CAP in swimming excited and lessened some of his anxiety about lessons we know are: swimming. As the lessons have progressed they look to the next animal/ colour cap with • It keeps the swimmer’s head warm excitement. They love the cap/sea creature • It keeps the swimmer’s hair out of their eyes system as it removes the idea of a numbered • It helps keeps the pool clean system and makes them happy, confident swimmers without the competition between • Helps the instructor with the correct head them for a level. Bree (Parent) position

The benefitsof wearing a COLOURED SWIM CAP with a Greta loves the fact that she belongs to a CAP CHARACTER for the swimmers, their parents and swim group and the fact that movement up prospective new clients: the groups (or promotion) provides a point of recognition for her advancement. The caps • The swimmers can easily identify their level themselves are in essence a point of difference to other swim schools and promotes a • The swimmer can easily identify where their sense of belonging. We think it is a good level is situated in the pool i n i t i a t i v e . David (Parent) • Swimmers take great pride as it gives recognition and identification to the swimmer in what level they are achieving. Your character caps have been a massive hit in our house - the • It provides a visual of what they can strive for anticipation of moving from a Jellyfish to an Otter for Steph was almost palpable. She was beaming with pride to move up to the – the next coloured cap character. next level and to have a cap symbolise her hard work made it all the • The swimmers can take ownership of their more special for her. I also appreciated the encouragement of your level as they are not only named but are visual instructors to those swimmers who had not met all of the criteria to all. for advancement. They handled this beautifully, commending those who had, and encouraging those who had a bit further to go! • The Cap Characters enhances the Fun Factor. Thank you for creating such a positive, fun and safe • New clients assessing the Swim School for environment! their children will clearly recognise the levels, swimming see the ownership, the recognition and the pride, as well as clearly see the safety aspect. Leisa (Parent)

SWIMFILES 15

SwimmingSwimming inin FarFar NorthNorth QueenslandQueensland

by Janet Evans Swim AustraliaTM Teacher Clubs travelled, families Janet Evans Swim School billeted, kids swam and made friends - and the coaches 1970’s Swimming in the late 60’s and the 70’s in Queensland talked. Swimming was so was a very exciting time. We were fortunate to have strong in the 70’s up here. some of Australia’s best coaches and the trend was that There were many good swimmers. Equally as talented we had access to that wealth of knowledge. It was given as our southern rivals, ‘the Queen Street gang’ we called freely and with sincerity. The coaches were great friends them. The rivalry was fierce. School holidays were the and would share a drink (or um…2ish) at the Wickham time for many an exciting trip to faraway places like Port Hotel in the Valley or the Waterloo in January each year Moresby and Darwin to be billeted, to meet new friends, and they would discuss their successes and their failures. to swim fast and beat them all, to bring home some There was always something to learn, something you really different looking medals. The coaches conferred hadn’t realised, something that needed to be changed and learnt and we listened and reaped the rewards. or corrected and most of the problems were shared and When we went south for the State Titles in January to resolved and so much was achieved. The trick was being swim in the old Valley Pool in Brisbane, we would see able to remember it all in the morning. our friends again and then we would listen to Joe King, Mr. Rigby, Arthur Cusack and Johnny Carew and whoever Far North Queensland had a depth of coaches to be else was sitting around the Valley Pool while the coaches envied. Ken Wood was the coach at the Gordonvale Pool talked. After some late sessions at the Valley Pool, the across the road from my house when I started swimming coaches would retire to the Undertakers next door and aged 9. Peter Tibbs was in Cairns at the Tobruk Pool that is not the name of a nightclub either, it really was an until only a few years ago, Bill Rail was in Innisfail, Syd undertakers and the refreshments were very cold. If you Trevor was in Mareeba, Neil Lee Long in Atherton, Billy needed to ask the senior coaches to look at one of your Beaumont and Laurie Lawrence were both in Townsville, swimmers or to help with a problem, you had to arrive Bill Sweetenham was in Mt Isa, Neville Morris in Mackay, early and ask it straight away just to be sure you got and Phil McLeod (Mr. Mac) my second and final coach, the right answer from the right person. Exciting learning was in Ayr at this time. days.

16 SWIMFILES If you were interested like I was and really listened you for more. I still teach babies through to adults 6 days could learn a lot. Because things were not explained a week and I have never been more motivated. I have in detail to swimmers in my day, it astounded me to taken what I have learnt from these great coaches, realise that I didn’t have a clue about any of the intricate including my father and everything else along the way details of swimming. So I listened some more. In 1976, and developed what I feel is an excellent learn to swim I missed out on making the Montreal Olympic Team by a program that leads to the development of technically few hundredths of a second. I was so disappointed, I felt strong, talented swimmers who understand the that I’d given it my all. I returned to Gordonvale to finish mechanics of what they’re now able to do with their my Senior Year and retired from competitive swimming. bodies. I believe children are never too young to learn But it was far from over for me. I soon started teaching the what, why and how of swimming. My classes are swimming at Saint Augustine’s College Pool in Cairns, based on strength, balance and understanding the where my father Glen Evans was head coach (a position water - what it does to our bodies and how we can he held for over 30 years). Qualifications in those days use it to our advantage for enjoyment and for safety. were your love for swimming and your knowledge. In Children are never too young to be introduced to or January 1980, I flew to Brisbane with my new baby. I start learning about the biomechanics of swimming. was met at the airport by Lorraine Short and Greg Lalor. Lorraine looked after my daughter Riley while I Whilst there are far too many things to put into words, completed my Queensland Teacher of Swimming. I’ve I was asked what I had learnt from the coaches I have never looked back. known. Here are a few things I remember about these great men, our Queensland pioneers of swimming: I have learnt a lot in my years of swimming and in my 40 years of teaching and coaching I am still searching

Joe King – Practice doesn’t make perfect, only perfect practice make perfect. Peter Tibbs – You never kick a limpy dog. Breastrokers can’t have big boobs. Be kind. Always. John Carew – How important sculling Ken Wood – The one that you have to beat is. How success doesn’t and shouldn’t is the one you are looking at in the mirror. change you. Winners never quit and quitters never win. Bill Beaumont – Life is a party, so party. Syd Trevor – Even an old guy can be the best learn to swim teacher ever.

Laurie Lawrence – Enthusiasm is contagious. Shout it from the rooftops. Bill Sweetenham –The world is yours. Go get it. Bill Rail – You can achieve no matter what, but only if you want to. Neville Morris – Longevity is the key to long life in this business. Phil McLeod – Champions don’t walk through the door, you have to make them. Kids are just kids, so let them Lastly from my Dad, Glen Evans – Hard work develop naturally. hides a multitude of sins. So always work hard.

SWIMFILES 17 2016 AWARDS

Nominations are called for the following Awards, to be presented at the 19th Swim Australia Dinner on the 2nd May 2017 during the 20th Swim Australia Conference.

The Swim Australia Awards are all about community engagement, best practices and innovation. Award winners will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee based on deserving applicants who meet the criteria.

Swim Australia strongly encourages all applicants to attend the Swim Australia Dinner. Applicants nominations may be used in Presentations, Swim Files, at the conference and other opportunities to promote Swim Australia.

The Selection Committee is • Gary Toner, Executive Officer Swim Australia • Debby Tattoli, Swim Australia Board Member • Nancy Shaw, Swim Australia Board Member • Sally McKitrick, Swim Australia Board Member

The 2016 SwimSAFER Award (National Swim School Excellence Awards section) will be presented at the 19th Annual Swim Australia Dinner in May. The award is designed to highlight the importance that Swim Australia places on the swim safety message, and acknowledges the outstanding work being done in the water safety arena by many swim schools. Categories are broken into 3 Swim school levels.

A: Small Swim Schools - 500 and under swim lessons per week

B: Medium Swim Schools – 501 to 1500 swim lessons per week

C: Large Swim Schools - over 1500 swim lessons per week

Swim schools who wish to nominate for this award, must provide evidence and commentary on the following criteria:

How your swim school is implementing SwimSAFER Weeks and water safety skills into its program. Items may include the likes of:

1. Photographic evidence of your swim school conducting a SwimSAFER Week. Photos may include: Children being instructed in water safety techniques Parents being involved in activities, for example, learning CPR or receiving the SwimSAFER Week parent handouts.

2. Testimonials from clients. These may include: how swimming lessons, or skills taught during a SwimSAFER Week have potentially saved a child’s life, for example, a child falling into a pool and getting themselves back to the side of the pool and climbing out and/or positive feedback from families regarding your swim school’s SwimSAFER Week

18 SWIMFILES 3. Examples of lesson plans developed by your swim school specific to your SwimSAFER Week. Lesson plans should take into consideration: your pool limitations, for example, shallow water, where it may be difficult to teach treading water include elements specific to your swim school’s physical location, for example, if located in country area be educating children about dam safety etc.

4. How your swim school is exposing children to a number of aquatic environments local to your swim school. For example, if located near the beach, taking the children to learn about beach conditions during lesson time. If located in country area, exposing children to local waterways etc.

How your swim school is utilising web based and social media sites to further enhance the SwimSAFER message. This may include: - Links to SwimSAFER relevant information on facebook, twitter feeds etc - Links to media items that uphold and enhance the SwimSAFER message - Use of SwimSAFER language and items of interest on swim school website

Provide evidence of spreading the SwimSAFER message to the wider community. This may include the likes of: - community visits encompassing the SwimSAFER message to local kindergartens, schools etc - engaging in community events such as school fetes, open days etc

The above is to show that your Swim School is engaging in the SwimSAFER program in a broad way. The Award will be provided however on the basis of excellence during the National SwimSAFER Week (November 2016). Excellence may come from a range of initiatives and/or something particularly outstanding. Showing use of the ‘SwimSAFER’ brand is important.

Submitting your Nomination: Please mark your submission clearly with your swim school name and category. Photographs – please provide one full set in digital format, on a USB Drive. Collateral (written material) – please provide one full set in printed format, as well as supply suitable files in digital format (PDF or similar) Digital files can be forwarded via USB in jpeg or PDF format or similar. Please ensure all participants in the photos – children, instructors, parents etc - have signed a release form to have their images used. Photographs may be used by Swim Australia to help promote the SwimSAFER message

Swim Teachers join Dawn Fraser to spread the SwimSAFER Message

SWIMFILES SWIMFILES 19 Fitness Industry Award December 2016 Nancy Shaw Thank you for allowing me to represent Swim Australia at Swim Australia Board Member today’s forum with the Fair Work Ombudsman, in Sydney.

We were brought together to discuss the positives and negatives of the Fitness Industry Modern Award. There were approx. 20 people in attendance from varying fitness groups, both group bodies and individual businesses.

The Fair Work Commission is responsible for developing the Award.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is responsible for implementing and advising on the Award.

The Ombudsman’s representative said that we as an Industry group, were one of the most Award compliant, and conscientious about doing the right thing by our employees.

We were talked through some of the features on the Fair Work website, some I admit I was not familiar with, and would suggest that Swim Schools may benefit from the Online Training section, in the ‘How we Help’ tab:

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will-help/online-training

Some of the industry concerns discussed included: 1. The pace of the growth of the industry. Where do we slot some employees into Classifications? Not all fitness group types are mentioned 2. The retention of Casuals. How to keep the good ones and help them build a career. Always a hot topic for discussion. 3. What is considered ‘Fitness’? What skill sets should people hold 4. Split shifts. This appears to be a common problem throughout most of the sectors 5. Transient employees. Eg School and Uni students moving on to other fulltime employment. Is our industry only considered transient employment? 6. The 10 hour turnaround restrictions between pm and am shifts. Also a common concern 7. Metropolitan vs regional employment. Different clientele and employee availability. 8. Contractors vs Facility rental agreements for minor users eg. Massage, in bigger venues.

What should the Government do or not do with the current Award? 1. Modify weekend penalty rates to reflect a 7 day society 2. Change the 10 hour minimum between shifts to reflect our Industry requirements 3. Offer training on understanding the Award, for Employers

In summary, how can we influence the Award that affects us? It was felt that if we try to get some of the abovementioned changes through the Commission, it may have a flow on affect to other industries, and some of them may not like that. Eg, Penalty rates. Also, we do not have one body to act on behalf of us all. So it is harder to make general change to the Award.

In the Library section of the website: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/library, you can type a question, and be guided quicker to a possible solution. Also if you ring up and ask a question, it is recommended that you record your reference number, and a summary of the query and response, in case you are questioned about what you have implemented by some officialdom, further down the track. Your contact with their department goes in your favour.

Feedback suggests that the model is broken, but frustrated that minor variations take political preference and inordinate amounts of time before change happens.

They hope to use those present today, will act as a reference group, for further discussions.

20 SWIMFILES

FWO Knowledge Connect

Knowledge Connect, or ‘Konnect’ as we like to call it, is an exciting new way for us to interact with you.

Konnect is a collaborative online space, where you can share your industry knowledge and experience with us and the Konnect online community.

By giving us your feedback on Konnect, you can:

 shape our positions,  help us to better understand the industries and workplaces we regulate,  help us deliver advice & assistance that is more relevant, tailored and practical.

Together we can build a culture of compliance with workplace laws in your industry.

Your views matter. They can help shape our position.

Get Konnected now in 2 simple steps!

1. Head to www.fairwork.gov.au and register or log in to My Account 2. Click on FWO Knowledge Connect and you’re ready to go!

If you need any help just email us at [email protected] or call Paola on (02) 9297 9030.

www.fairwork.gov.au Fair Work Infoline 13 13 94 ABN: 43 884 188 232 SWIMFILES 21

The Swim Australia stand experienced outstanding success at Expos throughout Australia last year. At each expo we have the opportunity to reach out and connect with the community of parents by providing valuable information on learn to swim and water safety.

With the high number of drownings over the recent holiday period, Swim Australia will be taking the opportunity to push the reminder to SwimSAFER 365 days. We will also have a database scanner collecting the parents details to send to Swim Schools who participate at the Expo.

At the Expo’s we provide the below materials to over 80,000 attendees.

• A DVD with Dawn Fraser Campaign • Kids Alive CSA and underwater footage of babies and toddlers and pre-schoolers set to music is shown via a TV • Eye-catching SwimSAFER banner background as well as Dawn Fraser banners inspiring people to learn to swim • Swim Australia Parent Handouts • “Kids Alive do the Five” packs • Latest issue of ‘Swimming MATTERS’ plus a list of registered Swim Schools is handed out to parents and caregivers • Stickers will also be available to hand to children • Participating Swim Schools can have their brochure available to be distributed to interested people from their area

This is a great opportunity to put your product before this highly targeted audience ... not just age wise; but also discerning and caring parents.

If you wish your brochures to be on hand for distribution to parents inquiring from your catchment area, just email to [email protected]; We will be emailing Swim Schools in each state prior to the expos to remind you of this opportunity.

You have only 4 simple obligations: 365 1. Be currently registered with Swim Australia for 2017 days 2. Provide 1 staff member for just 1 of the 6 time slots to help man the stand 3. OR Pay Swim Australia a nominal, tax deductible fee of $99, and 4. Send your brochures to our contact person in each state when advised via email

22 SWIMFILES SWIMFILES 23 skills strengths experience Interview Questions for Hiring Staff in Recruitment Info and Support by Saxon Marsden-Huggins

Job interviews are getting easier to bluff. Questions are becoming more common, as hiring managers try to standardise the hiring process. But the more common interview questions are, the easier it is for someone to prepare an answer.

That’s why you need to ask a mix of basic and challenging interview questions. Any question that hasn’t been asked before can be seen as a “challenging question,” but below are some examples of easier and more challenging interview questions that would allow candidates to show their true colours.

Of course, it’s even more important to have the right candidates responding to your questions. For a very low cost, Recruit Shop can deliver exactly that. Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly consultants. Basic Interview Questions • Tell me about yourself. • What are your strengths? • What are your weaknesses? • Why do you want this job? • Why should we hire you? • What did you like least about your last job? • When were you most satisfied in your job? • What can you do for us that other candidates can’t? • What were the responsibilities of your last position? • Why are you leaving your present job? • What do you know about this industry? • What do you know about our company? • Are you willing to relocate? • Do you have any questions for me? • What’s your ideal company?

Behavioural Interview Questions

• What, in your opinion, are the key ingredients in guiding and maintaining successful business relationships? Give an example of how you have made this work for you. • Tell us about a time when you built rapport quickly with a new or existing business relationship under difficult conditions. • Describe a situation when you were able to strengthen a relationship by communicating effectively. What made your communication effective? • Describe a situation where you felt you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation? • Describe a situation in which you were able to positively influence the actions of others in a desired direction. • How do you schedule and manage your time? What processes have you put in place to help manage time? • Tell us about a time you had to manage a high volume of work. What processes did you put in place to help manage your workflow

24 SWIMFILES SWIMFILES • Do you prefer working with detail or are you a big picture person? What’s more important getting the job done right or getting it out on time to meet the deadline? • How would you describe your work style? i.e. do your prefer to work alone or with others; are you big picture or process/detail orientated; are you structured in your daily routine, use lists etc or do you work in a more ad hoc fashion and how does that work for you? • Give me an example of an important goal you have set and explain how you achieved it. • Tell me about a job/task that was boring. How did you deal with it? • Tell me about a time you had to change procedures to solve a problem. What did you do? • Give me an example of a time you had to make a decision without consulting your boss. What did you do?

Motivation, Attitude & Career Direction Interview Questions • What are you looking for in terms of career development? • How do you want to improve yourself in the next year? • If I were to ask your last supervisor to provide you additional training or exposure, what would she suggest? • What appeals to you about this role? How does this role fit in with your goals and life aspirations? • What sort of working environment appeals to you? i.e. working alone, as part of a team, quiet or noisy office • Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Salary Interview Questions • What salary are you currently on? • What salary are you seeking?

Getting Started Interview Questions • How would you go about establishing your credibility quickly with the team? • How long will it take for you to make a significant contribution? • What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days of this job? • If selected for this position, can you describe your strategy for the first 90 days?

More About You Interview Questions • What do you look for in terms of culture — structured or entrepreneurial? • What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized? • Tell me about your proudest achievement. • Who was your favourite manager and why? • What do you think of your previous boss? • Was there a person in your career who really made a difference? • What kind of personality do you work best with and why? • What are you most proud of? • What do you like to do? • What are your lifelong dreams? • What do you ultimately want to become? • What are three positive things your last boss would say about you? • What negative thing would your last boss say about you? • What three character traits would your friends use to describe you? • If you were interviewing someone for this position, what traits would you look for? • List five words that describe your character. • What is your biggest regret and why? • What’s the most important thing you learned in school? • Why did you choose your particular degree? Brainteaser Interview Questions • What will you miss about your present/last job? • What is your greatest achievement outside of work? How many times do a clock’s hands overlap in a day? • What are the qualities of a good leader? A bad leader? How would you weigh a plane without scales? • How do you feel about taking no for an answer? Tell me 10 ways to use a pencil other than writing. • What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the last year? Sell me this pencil. • What would you do if you won the lottery? If you were an animal, which one would you want to • Who are your heroes? be? • What do you like to do for fun? Why is there fuzz on a tennis ball? • What do you do in your spare time? If you could choose one superhero power, what would • What is your favorite memory from childhood? it be and why? With your eyes closed, tell me step-by-step how to tie my shoes. SWIMFILES 25 “As part of the program, we also gave three “Swimming SA also organised for the Optus swimmers the chance to swim with Marion Junior Dolphins coaching workshop to be Swimming Club for three months, paid for delivered at our centre by ASCTA, inviting all by the club and the SAALC.” registered Delivery Centres to take part. We used swimmers from our holiday program to How did you adapt the program for your demonstrate the activities, giving them the centre? $* !0+/$+3+û0$!%.*!3/'%((/ċ “Nine of our coaches took part in the Over the past few months, Optus Junior “We ran Optus Junior Dolphins as a school workshop, gaining a great deal of knowledge Dolphins has been popping up at holiday program, as this time is traditionally and understanding of the opportunities the used for fun and intensive swim programs. swimming clubs and swim schools all We spoke to General Manager, Adam program provides.” Luscombe, about their experience. The program provides a way for children to over Australia. have fun, improve their strokes, get ready to How did you use the resources? Why did you decide to run Optus Junior try out for school swim teams and aspire to Designed by Swimming Australia as a key swim as part of a club. part of their swimming pathway, Optus Dolphins at your centre? “The manual was a tremendous tool to help Junior Dolphins is a great way for swim “We adapted lesson plans from the manual us deliver the best program possible. It schools to retain swimmers and encourage “Optus Junior Dolphins is a great vehicle to and ran a structured and immensely fun provided easy to read lesson plans and future participation. provide a fun and high quality learning program. It was a great program to adapt, as detailed explanations of activities and experience that develops young swimmers well as train, develop and prepare coaches carnival ideas, written in a positive, easy to In January 2017, the SA Aquatic & Leisure and demonstrates the swimming pathway. It to run structured and fun sessions in the read and informative way. The content was Centre in Adelaide, South Australia allows children to achieve, be inspired and future.” easy to adapt to our swimmers’ skills needs (managed by YMCA Victoria) held an Optus experience great coaching through a and abilities. We also used the Marketing Junior Dolphins school holiday program. structured program that rewards How did you work with Swimming Toolkit to help promote the program and participation. develop our marketing collateral.” Australia and Swimming SA to run the The centre already runs a comprehensive program? program of swimming lessons and is also “Within our organisation, the program has What are your next plans? home to Marion Swimming Club. allowed us to adapt the higher levels of our “We worked closely with Swimming SA and Learn to Swim program and create a “We’re planning to use Optus Junior Swimming Australia (SAL) to develop an stronger top end of our swim school to feed Dolphins in our regular upper intensive six lesson program, followed by a through to the Marion Swim Club.” SAALC Learn to Swim levels.” clinic with Olympians Kyle Chalmers, Mack Horton and Kotuku Ngawati. Tell us a bit more about how Optus Thanks Adam! Junior Dolphins has helped the pathway “We included the clinic as a reward for an between your swim school and Marion intensive week of swimming, creating an Swimming Club. opportunity for children to meet elite 0$(!0!/* 1* !./0* 0$!!*!ü0/+" Interested in “SAALC swimming lessons are the nursery swimming. Swimming SA and SAL were of future Marion Swimming Club swimmers. instrumental in making this happen with learning more? Our Optus Junior Dolphins sessions were led support, giveaways and media. by Learn to Swim and Marion Swim Club To register to become an coaches, providing a fantastic opportunity Optus Junior Dolphins for collaboration and development of 'HOLYHU\&HQWUHRUWR´QGRXW children and coaches. It also provided our more about the program, visit coaches with insight from both areas to help JuniorDolphins.com.au. develop an understanding of the children’s journey and progression.

26 SWIMFILES “As part of the program, we also gave three “Swimming SA also organised for the Optus swimmers the chance to swim with Marion Junior Dolphins coaching workshop to be Swimming Club for three months, paid for delivered at our centre by ASCTA, inviting all by the club and the SAALC.” registered Delivery Centres to take part. We used swimmers from our holiday program to How did you adapt the program for your demonstrate the activities, giving them the centre? $* !0+/$+3+û0$!%.*!3/'%((/ċ “Nine of our coaches took part in the Over the past few months, Optus Junior “We ran Optus Junior Dolphins as a school workshop, gaining a great deal of knowledge Dolphins has been popping up at holiday program, as this time is traditionally and understanding of the opportunities the used for fun and intensive swim programs. swimming clubs and swim schools all We spoke to General Manager, Adam program provides.” Luscombe, about their experience. The program provides a way for children to over Australia. have fun, improve their strokes, get ready to How did you use the resources? Why did you decide to run Optus Junior try out for school swim teams and aspire to Designed by Swimming Australia as a key swim as part of a club. part of their swimming pathway, Optus Dolphins at your centre? “The manual was a tremendous tool to help Junior Dolphins is a great way for swim “We adapted lesson plans from the manual us deliver the best program possible. It schools to retain swimmers and encourage “Optus Junior Dolphins is a great vehicle to and ran a structured and immensely fun provided easy to read lesson plans and future participation. provide a fun and high quality learning program. It was a great program to adapt, as detailed explanations of activities and experience that develops young swimmers well as train, develop and prepare coaches carnival ideas, written in a positive, easy to In January 2017, the SA Aquatic & Leisure and demonstrates the swimming pathway. It to run structured and fun sessions in the read and informative way. The content was Centre in Adelaide, South Australia allows children to achieve, be inspired and future.” easy to adapt to our swimmers’ skills needs (managed by YMCA Victoria) held an Optus experience great coaching through a and abilities. We also used the Marketing Junior Dolphins school holiday program. structured program that rewards How did you work with Swimming Toolkit to help promote the program and participation. develop our marketing collateral.” Australia and Swimming SA to run the The centre already runs a comprehensive program? program of swimming lessons and is also “Within our organisation, the program has What are your next plans? home to Marion Swimming Club. allowed us to adapt the higher levels of our “We worked closely with Swimming SA and Learn to Swim program and create a “We’re planning to use Optus Junior Swimming Australia (SAL) to develop an stronger top end of our swim school to feed Dolphins in our regular upper intensive six lesson program, followed by a through to the Marion Swim Club.” SAALC Learn to Swim levels.” clinic with Olympians Kyle Chalmers, Mack Horton and Kotuku Ngawati. Tell us a bit more about how Optus Thanks Adam! Junior Dolphins has helped the pathway “We included the clinic as a reward for an between your swim school and Marion intensive week of swimming, creating an Swimming Club. opportunity for children to meet elite 0$(!0!/* 1* !./0* 0$!!*!ü0/+" Interested in “SAALC swimming lessons are the nursery swimming. Swimming SA and SAL were of future Marion Swimming Club swimmers. instrumental in making this happen with learning more? Our Optus Junior Dolphins sessions were led support, giveaways and media. by Learn to Swim and Marion Swim Club To register to become an coaches, providing a fantastic opportunity Optus Junior Dolphins for collaboration and development of 'HOLYHU\&HQWUHRUWR´QGRXW children and coaches. It also provided our more about the program, visit coaches with insight from both areas to help JuniorDolphins.com.au. develop an understanding of the children’s journey and progression.

SWIMFILES 27 asctaCONVENTION 2017 26 APRIL - 4 MAY SOFITEL GOLD COAST

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN - BOOK ONLINE AT ascta.com

Book all your Convention needs including accommodation and events! The Online Registration process saves you time and money.

PRESENTER BIO - LAURIE LAWRENCE

Laurie Lawrence’s love and passion for swimming has had major influence over the swimming industry, with his learn to swim methods being internationally recognised. Laurie has many coaching achievements including 10 Gold, 11 Silver and 12 Bronze medals from swimmers he has directly assisted at Olympic level including Jon Sieben, Duncan Armstrong, Tracey Wickham and Steven Holland.

Laurie has also been an integral part of the Australian Olympic team for his abilityABSTR

to unite, inspire, motivate and relax the entire team.ABSTR Laurie has brought his influence and passion to the Y areas of baby swimming and drowning prevention, embedding him in the Australian swimming industry as a OUR SAMPLE Y OUR SAMPLE

swimming and water safety guru. AC AC T BANNER T BANNER WHAT’S EXCITING KEY DATES TEXT HERE TEXT HERE

• Convention App • Swim Australia Welcome 30 April • Live Streaming • Swim Australia Conference 1 - 3 May • Swim School Tour • Swim Australia Dinner 2 May • FREE Wi-fi • Swim School Tour 4 May • Industry Expert Presenters • Teaching Stream 29 & 30 April

2828 SWIMFILESSWIMFILES SWIMFILESSWIMFILES B

SOFITEL - GOLD COAST A asctaCONVENTION 2017

ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE OF BEING ON-SITE FOR THE ASCTA 2017 CONVENTION AND STAY IN-HOUSE AT THE SOFITEL GOLD COAST

• Affordable and Great Value 5 Star Accommodation • Includes up to 2 Breakfasts per room per night (value $76) per sitting. • Is supremely located. Kurrawa Beach (10 year home of Australian Surf Champs) is across the

road. YOUR SAMPLE TEXT HERE

ACT BANNER • Fantastic variety of high quality eateries. ABSTR • Stay in house at the Sofitel Gold Coast for three or more nights and receive a $100 voucher to use at the asctaSHOP.

Treat yourself to a special end-of-season 5 star occasion – you deserve it. ABSTR ABSTR Y OUR SAMPLE Y OUR SAMPLE AC AC T BANNER MOBILE PHONE APP T BANNER TEXT HERE

TEXT HERE AVAILABLE ON ANDROID and IPHONE

The asctaCONVENTION APP includes all Convention information including Exhibitors, Speakers, Scheduling and Direct-to-Inbox Conference Notifications

SWIMFILESSWIMFILES 2929 LOCK IN YOUR DATES FOR 2017 Professional Development Opportunities

Swim School Owners, Managers, Teachers and Staff are invited to attend these educational training events around Australia.

In 2017 Professional Development will reach many new regional areas including the Hunter Valley, Toowoomba and Rockhampton.

This allows many Swim Schools and staff to participate, earn vital professional development points to assist in reaccreditation and network with other members of the swim school industry.

Final topics, venues and registration informatin will be available shortly on the Swim Australia website and will also be emailed to all swim schools. Topics may vary from each professional development event.

30 SWIMFILES NEWS CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 2017 Swim schools, Coaches and Teachers have access to the ASCTA insurance scheme. It offers competitively priced SwimWest public liability and professional indemnity insurance through Marsh Insurance. Marsh have also committed August 19-20 to offering the best prices in the industry. Individuals should obtain policies via the ASCTA office through their SEPTEMBER 2017 membership, whilst swim schools should obtain quotes based on their specific circumstances by phone 1800 305 9 & 10 September 575 . asctaNSW Conference

ASCTA has an online shop with new products regularly added. If you are looking for pool toys, DVDs, books, OCTOBER 2017 goggles, bathing caps, clothing, training aides or stopwatches then check out ASCTA’s huge range of 7 & 8 October merchandise. Swim Australia Swim Schools pay the asctaVIC Conference discounted ASCTA members price. In particular there are heaps of new products related to learn to swim. NOVEMBER 2017

If you or your staff need to undergo pool plant operators SwimSAFER Week training then look at ASCTA’s study course. Thousands November 20-26 have enrolled in this course and are very happy studying the theory in their own time, then undertaking practical PBC EXPO 2017 training and assessment at their work venue.

The ASCTA website provides a Jobs Board. Employees can Melbourne: February 25-26 list their CV and qualifications and employers can list a Adelaide: April 7-9 job advertisement - free of charge. A huge range of local and overseas positions, skilled coaches, teachers and Sydney: May 19-21 program managers are listed. ASCTA regularly receives Brisbane: June 16-18 feedback from employers thanking us for helping to find them staff. For a small fee ASCTA can also list pools for Perth: August 11-13 lease or for sale. Melbourne: October 6-9 ASCTA hopes to see you and your staff at the Sydney: November 11-12 asctaCONVENTION 2017, being held at the Sofitel Gold Coast from 26 April to 4 May. The Presenter line up includes USA Olympic Coach Dave Kelsheimer, National SwimINFO 2017 Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren, Australian Diamond Netball Head Coach Lisa Alexander, Australian Olympic Adelaide: 5 April Coaches - Peter Bishop, Craig Jackson, Michael Bohl and David Lush, Bill Sweetenham, Ron McKeon, Bill Kirby, Hunter Valley: 24 June Laurie and Emma Lawrence and from Sweden, Ludmilla Rockhampton: 15 July Rosengren. There will be teaching and coaching courses, golf, dinners, a Swim School Tour of leading Gold Coast Cairns: 23 July swim schools as well as Commonwealth Games Facility Sydney: 26 July Tours being conducted during the convention. ACT: 29 July For further information on insurance, shop, Pool Plant Melbourne: 2 August Operators, Jobs Board, asctaCONVENTION 2017, accreditations or professional development, go to www. Tasmania: 5 August ascta.com, email [email protected] or phone ASCTA on Toowoomba: 16 September 07 5494 6255.

SWIMFILES 31 GOGGLES & SWIM CAPS TRAINING EQUIPMENT H ITSS SSIS WT I LOGO CAPS & GEAR

Our Vision To inspire and empower the aquatic community to be the best we can be.

Our Mission As the peak industry leader we are championing the building of a safer, smarter and stronger aquatic community through the pursuit of excellence in professional development, advocacy and service.

[email protected] PO Box 158 P. 07 5494 6255 Ext. 210 AFFILIATIONS swimming Beerwah Qld 4519 F. 07 5494 6785 www.swimaustralia.org.au australia