Figure 3: Rex Velocity Video Analysis

2]. Improved lung capacity By utilizing the dolphin kick I found that aligning the hips and head through an almost vertical - Breathe training [Element X] throughout the under water phase of the break out, and minimizing plane, while maintaining lower body - Hypoxic drills [John Fowlie – AIS the flutter kick continues to be the height on or above the water level, coach] direction of increased 15 metre was the desired start position. velocity. 3]. Improved start body position This meant decreasing the angle Start Position: between the upper and lower leg A comparison of race skills for while in the “take your mark” Emily’s 100 metres Backstroke phase of the start. The optimum As a result of the “Rex” study, show an improvement from 2007 in angle range for all 3 swimmers my model of the Backstroke start both the under water component of was between 47-59 degrees. Starts position changed considerably. I the event, [Start-turn-finish] and that were with greater leg angles modelled our Backstroke starts overall free swim time. tended to result with slower block on 2 A.I.S male Backstroke’s, who times and less acceleration into were leading the world with fast the dolphin phase. At the other end The study has produced an ongoing short course at the time, of the spectrum, starts with lower ‘Testing’ protocol to fine tune Rob Hurley and Ashley Delany. Both angles resulted in extremely poor break out skills for Backstroke these boys pulled their body high horizontal force. swimmers. I have similar data and out above the water line during profiles on 2 other International / the “take your mark” call of the National level swimmers, who show start cycle. To train this skill, I devised a the same, if not greater increases, simple strength set that could be in their break out results. incorporated into a series of 15 After experimenting with different metre break out efforts. positions, and reviewing numerous

hours of video and still shot footage,

Competition Event 15mt 50mt 100mt Turn S/C World Champ Trials 2006 100 Back 8.10 29.84 1.01.09 9.16 34-40 World Championships 2007 100 Back 7.74 29.68 1.00.52 8.81 32-39 World Championships 2009 100 Back 7.18 28.78 58.88 8.28 30-34 Commonwealth Trials 2010 100 Back 7.20 28.99 59.21 8.30 31-35 SWIMMING IN 13 Starting Sequence – – February 2010:

14 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 1]. Hold in the Optimum Backstroke start position for 15 seconds – Set up with “Take your marks”. 2]. Relax the position down, for 5 seconds while the arms and legs are still “connected” to the blocks. 3]. Reset the start with “Take your marks”. 4]. Start and record data for the 15 metre break out. 5]. Swim off 85 metres This set would be repeated between 4 - 8 times in a set, and would be done up to 2 times in a weekly cycle. In summary, the Start position tended to give the swimmer the following advantages: Quicker reaction time off the block A more horizontal flight curve than traditional starts – [see Intro figure] More velocity throughout the under water dolphin stage

All the above resulting in a much faster start [15 metre] time for the 3 swimmers tested.

14 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA Photograph courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot) - ASCTA Photographer of the Year

She dropped from a 1.05.10 for This footage revealed in graphic Arm Stroke Pattern: the 100 Back at Age 17, down to detail, how the angles mentioned a National Age record of 1.01.81, above affect the catch and pattern Throughout my 24 years in 7 months later at Age 18. The during the Backstroke arm cycle. coaching I have always believed improved efficiency, [lower stroke that the approach to Backstroke rate and stroke count] was a direct arm patterning was the traditional result from the newly learned In Summary: “Arm wrestle” pull pattern. Then ‘Push” technique. along came Emily Seebohm into my • Eliminate all Backstroke / program. Flutter kick from the under water The main area of attack was on the phase of the backstroke start and angle of the upper and lower arm turn. [Can this be said for F/S/] As Emily developed as a junior when connecting into the “Push swimmer from the age of 10-13, phase” after the entry. If we could I noticed that she had an unusual lower the angle of the arm then • Higher and more vertical Body catch and pull. As she matured and a Push action could occur, rather position on the start in Backstroke starting making her first senior than the up and over, wide action teams at the age of 14, I had the that we all see today. The optimum • Align the head and hips vertically opportunity to take a good look at angle for the arm is approximately with toes well out of the water on what was happening under water 90 degrees. The majority of start by means of the QAS and AIS backstroke’s that I have seen tend resources. to hold the arm angle at anywhere between 110-150 degrees. • Decrease the upper & lower leg The major aspects I noticed were The male swimmers tend to have angle [47-59 degrees] off the wall how shallow she entered in the a greater ability to reproduce the on start water, the connection she made 90-100 degree angle where as the with setting her elbow and then the females, being a little less strong at • Decrease upper & lower arm ‘Push” action of the stroke. the range of motion necessary, don’t angle [closer to 90 degrees] during I had been teaching the “Arm seem to be able to attain let alone arm “Push” cycle wrestle” pattern up until this point. reproduce the action. That changed quite quickly with my immediate senior backstroke While taking part in a “propulsive Matthew Brown. Special swimmers, learning the “Push or study” carried out by Danielle thanks to Clare Jones and Upside F/S” action. Formosa, a PHD student at the AIS Biomechanics section in Canberra, all the QAS staff, and to We had immediate success with I was sent recent footage of both Danielle Formosa AIS. one of our 18 year old female Bobby Jovanovich and Emily swimmers. Seebohm, members of the Brothers swim program.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 15 Photograph courtesy of Limited Trials Time inin Adelaide Best of the Best chase Swimming's Holy Grail

Ian Hanson, who has attended the last seven Olympic Games, provides ASCTA readers with this comprehensive look at the 2012 Australian Olympic Swimming Trials which will put the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Adelaide very much on the international swimming map between March 15 and 22. There will be jubilation and joy; heartache and heartbreak as the cream of Australia’s swimmers put everything on the line, chasing places on Australia’s Olympic swimming team.

It will bring together the best of the best with the new breed of Australia’s swimmers up against some of the sport’s biggest names of the past 15 years. The Trials will be just the start for some and the end for others at a meet like no other, when nerves can sink careers and drive others to greatness in a cut throat eight days of racing.

The 40-strong team will be announced on Thursday, March 22 when Olympians of the past join in welcoming the class of 2012 to a very exclusive club. History beckons who has the opportunity to become the first Australian swimmer to represent at four Olympic Games. She already has an extraordinary Olympic record of three gold, four silver and a bronze and is priming herself to add further medals to her amazing collection.

But like everyone else: first she has to make the team and that’s what makes Olympic Swimming Trials as nerve-wracking for coaches and families as they are for swimmers. Here is a comprehensive event-by-event guide to the 2012 Olympic Swimming Trials.

March 15-22, SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Adelaide

16 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA Photograph courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot) ASCTA Photographer of the Year

50m Freestyle A qualifying time: 22.11 Season’s best: Matt Targett (21.98) MMen en Contenders: Matt Targett, Matt Abood, Cameron Prosser, James Magnussen, James Roberts, Eamon Sullivan Outlook: Matt Targett remains the stand out performer going into the Trials after his PB 21.98 at the SA State Championships and only has to repeat that performance to waltz onto his second Olympic team. On his day Abood can pull out a big one and he’ll need to if he wants a place on his first Olympic team. His 22.15 behind Targett in Adelaide was a great indicator that he’s on target. No one else has shown anything this season’s that suggests they can break 22. Australia has never won an Olympic medal in this event since it was introduced in Seoul in 1988 – Maybe 2012 will see an Aussie on the podium. The big question? With the pressure of the Olympic Trials, can Targett and Abood both crack 22?

100m Freestyle Adelaide A qualifying time: 48.82 Best of the Best chase Swimming's Holy Grail Season’s best: James Magnussen (48.05) Contenders: James Magnussen, Matt Targett, James Roberts, Cameron Prosser, Kyle Richardson, Cameron McEvoy, Eamon Sullivan, Matt Abood, Michael Klim, Tommaso D’Orsogna, Outlook: On form, Magnussen is close to being the “Black Caviar” of the pool and if anyone wants to beat the world champion then they will have to break 48 and swim faster than they’ve ever swum. The Missile has raised the bar and this time the stakes are the highest they’ve ever been as he chases Olympic gold. If experience and form is anything then Targett looks to be the one to join him in London as he did with Sullivan in 2008. But then it’s a race for the next four and a place in a 4x100m freestyle relay squad that could well add Olympic gold to their World Championship bullion of 2011. Ian Thorpe will have to produce close to his best (48.56) to be assured of a place in the top eight. The big question: Can the old guard of Klim and Sullivan hold their bodies together for a shot at past glories?

200m Freestyle A qualifying time: 1:47.82 Season’s best: Jarrod Killey (1:48.28) Contenders: Nick Ffrost, Cameron McEvoy, Thomas Fraser-Holmes, , Ian Thorpe, Tommaso D’Orsogna, Jarrod Killey David McKeon, Ned McKendry, Kenrick Monk Outlook: The inclusion of 2004 Olympic champion and 2001 and 2003 World Champion Ian Thorpe is the biggest attraction in a swimming race since he last swam. The two biggest races with be the semi-finals. Two of the 10 contenders will be sitting in the grandstand wondering “what if?” It will be game on as Australia’s greatest Olympian takes on a field that may only include two other Olympians, Ffrost and Monk. On form over the last two years Fraser- Holmes, the young man from Newcastle, can etch his name into swimming history and qualify for his first Olympic team and there is every chance his mate from the Hunter, Jarrod Killey will be right along side him, kicking and screaming to join him. The big question: Can Thorpie swamp Gen Y and make his third Olympic team?

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 17 400m Freestyle A qualifying time: 3:48.92 Season’s best: David McKeon (3:48.20) Contenders: Thomas Fraser-Holmes, Ryan Napoleon, , David McKeon Outlook: At their best Napoleon and Fraser-Holmes should dominate the 400m but you get the feeling that this race could well present some twists and turns. Firstly Fraser-Holmes has entered both the 400 freestyle and the 400IM on the opening night and has to make a decision which event he will contest. Napoleon remained in the top eight in the world in 2011 despite his disappointing world championships. Fraser-Holmes will be bigger, better and stronger and 2012 could well be his time to shine. In the same program at Miami as China’s world record holder for 1500m Sun Yang which is a big plus. Training partners at Wests Illawarra, Hurley and McKeon will emerge as the wildcards. The big question: Can anyone upset the 1-2 punch of Fraser-Holmes and Napoleon?

1500m Freestyle A qualifying time: 15:11.83 Season’s best: George O’Brien (15:23.80) Contenders: Thomas Fraser-Holmes, Jarrod Killey, Wally Eggleton, Trent Grimsey, Matthew Levings, Hugo Morris, George O’Brien Outlook: None of the contenders have swum within seven seconds of the qualifying time of 15.11.83 but there is no time like an Olympic year to make a quantum leap. Killey, Fraser-Holmes and Eggleton look to be the major ones to look out for. It’s an event that has shaped Australia’s Olympic swimming history with the likes of Boy Charlton, Murray Rose, , Bob Windle, and winning Olympic gold. While there may not be a gold medal in the offing in London, it would be great to see a gold cap qualify. The big question? Will there be a representative in the 1500m in London?

100m Backstroke A qualifying time: 54.40 Season’s best: Daniel Arnamnart (54.38) Contenders: Daniel Arnamnart Ashley Delaney, Hayden Stoeckel, Ben Treffers Outlook: The Olympians of 2008 v the class of 2012. That’s the way the 100m backstroke is shaping up as the boys from Beijing Stoeckel (who won bronze) and Delaney, who just missed the final, contend with the speed merchants Arnamnart and Treffers, who through the gauntlet down in the early meets in SA and Victoria. Rest assured the big boys won’t go away lightly and they’ll be hoping their change of scenery, Delaney back at Nunawading with Rohan Taylor and Stoeckel at his latest port of call at Melbourne Vicentre under Ian Pope will pay dividends. The big question: Will speed be the factor?

200m Backstroke A qualifying time: 1:58.48 Season’s best: Joshua Beaver (1:59.16) Contenders: Joshua Beaver, Ashley Delaney, Hayden Stoeckel, Jared Goldthorpe, Mitch Larkin, Matson Lawson, Braiden Camm Outlook: The Olympic year always brings out new faces and with the men’s 200m backstroke classified as a “soft event, there is an opening for someone to break through. Victorian 18-year-old Joshua Beaver (60th in the world in 2011) already dropped a full second to win the NSW title to put his hat in the ring. But Delaney remains the man to beat and it could well come down to the person with the nerve, then legs and the strength to hold it together for that vital final 25 metres. The big question: Will the winner crack the A qualifying time?

18 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 100m Breaststroke Photograph courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot) - ASCTA Photographer of the Year A qualifying time: 1:00.79 Season’s best: Brenton Rickard (1:01.27) Contenders: Brenton Rickard Christian Sprenger Outlook: Australia’s duelling breaststrokers Brenton Rickard and Christian Sprenger still stand head and shoulders above the field. The pair have been on top of their game since 2005 with their determined, aggressive style that has seen them among the best in the world at the Olympics, World Championships and . Rickard has won 19 Australian titles since 2004 and Sprenger two but he has pushed his arch rival to his absolute best every time they have met. The electronic timing couldn’t split them in 2009 when they dead-heated in the 100m. The big question? Can Rickard win this event for the eighth consecutive time or will Sprenger turn the tables.

200m Breaststroke A qualifying time: 2:11.74 Season’s best: Brenton Rickard (2:11.59) Contenders: Craig Calder, Jeremy Meyer Outlook: Apart from defending champion and Olympic silver medallist Brenton Rickard the cupboard looks a little bare in this event. Christian Sprenger has put all his eggs in the 100m basket and the lads most likely Craig Calder and Jeremy Meyer don’t look likely enough to make the 2:11.74 qualifying time. Recently married Rickard has been our premier breaststroker for the past eight years and will again carry Australia’s hopes. Making the A time which he swam under last December at the Queensland Championships, should not be a problem. The big question? How far under 2:11.74 can Brenton Rickard go?

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 19 100m Butterfly Photograph courtesy of Swimming Australia Limited A qualifying time: 52.36 Season’s best: Christopher Wright (52.60) Contenders: Christopher Wright, Jayden Hadler, Sam Ashby, Geoff Huegill, Michael Klim, Nick D’Arcy Outlook: Season pace-setters Wright and Hadler and 2011 break through boy Ashby v the old stagers in Huegill and Klim with 200m specialist D’Arcy hovering around the outside lanes. Huegill remains the man to beat. The wise old owl of the pool has experience on his side. He knows how to get the best out of himself on the one day that it counts. But Wright, who has the recent runs on the board and training partner Ashby may well have other ideas. Ashby only has to replicate his 2011 form that saw him in career best touch at the World Championships to make the team. The big question? Can Huegill and Klim turn the clock back? Or can the pups plot another “Olympic” ambush?

200m Butterfly A qualifying time: 1:56.86 Season’s best: Nick D’Arcy (1:56.90) Contenders: Nick D’Arcy, Christopher Wright, Jayden Hadler, Daniel Tranter, Travis Nederpelt Outlook: Season leader D’Arcy only has to improve slightly on his NSW State Championship time to put his hat in the ring for selection. One thing D’Arcy can do is handle pressure. When it comes to swimming 200m butterfly and preparing himself to race one of swimming toughest events (and Michael Phelps) then there is no questioning his ability. D’Arcy should win the Trials and swim under the qualifying time and wash away the demons that have haunted him for four years. Christopher Wright will finish second and the pair will give Australia a one two chance against Phelps and co in London. The big question? Can Nick D’Arcy go on and become the first Australian since Jon Sieben to win the Olympic 200m butterfly crown?

200 IM A qualifying time: 2:00.17 Season’s best: Daniel Tranter (1:59.23) Contenders: , Daniel Tranter, Mitch Larkin, Jayden Hadler, Leith Brodie Outlook: Coming into the season, World Championship finalist Kenneth To was the man to beat and he should complete his graduation from Youth Olympic star from 2010 to full fledged Olympian in 2012 in this his pet event. But Daniel Tranter has put his hand up and said this is an Olympic year and I want part of the action with a season best at the NSW Champs. The qualifying time will not be a problem for these boys with the top five already having swum under the two minute barrier. While the underwater skills of To should prove too slick for his opponents there will be one heck of a race unfolding around him with Tranter, Larkin, Hadler and Beijing Olympian Leith Brodie snapping at his heels. The big question? Can rookie Daniel Tranter hold his nerve and book himself a place on that Qantas Jet to London?

20 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 400 IM A qualifying time: 4:16.46 Season’s best: Daniel Tranter (4:20.27) Contenders: Thomas Fraser-Holmes, Daniel Tranter, Mitch Larkin, Travis Nederpelt, Outlook: Defending Australian champion Fraser-Holmes will leave his decision on which event he will swim – the 400m freestyle or the 400 IM on the opening night of these Trials, until closer to the meet. A tough choice for the potential Olympian from Newcastle. If Fraser-Holmes opts out of the IM then the likes of Tranter, Larkin and Nederpelt will be left to fight it out for potential Olympic spots – Nederpelt chasing a third Olympics. The big question? Will Fraser-Holmes swim the 400IM or the 400 freestyle?

Photograph courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot) - ASCTA Photographer of the Year

50m Freestyle A qualifying time: 25.27 Season’s best: (24.43) Contenders: Cate Campbell, Olivia Halicek, , Outlook: You can imagine the sigh of relief when Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist from 2008 and 2009 respectively Cate Campbell clocked the year’s fastest 50m freestyle by an Australian in a stunning return to form at the Queensland Championships in December. Her 24.43 ranked her fourth in the world for 2011. Defending champion Halicek, Commonwealth Games champ Kukla and Campbell’s kid sister Bronte are the only other three to swim under 25 in last 12 months. On form Cate Campbell should have the opportunity of improving her bronze from Beijing which leaves… The big questions? Who will join Campbell in London? What happens if there is a dead-heat for second? And will the Campbell sisters be swimming’s first siblings to contest the same event?

100m Freestyle A qualifying time: 53 54 Season’s best: (53.74) Contenders: Melanie Schlanger, Cate Campbell, Yolane Kukla, Bronte Campbell, , Merinda Dingjan, , Kelly Stubbins, Emma McKeon Outlook: Beijing Olympic bronze medal winning relay swimmer Melanie Schlanger has been the big improver through 2011-12 and on form has emerged as the girl mostly likely to challenge Commonwealth Games golden girl and World Champs fourth-placegetter . Coutts is yet to show both her hands this season and the defending champion will still be the one to beat. Throw in Cate Campbell and these three are the top contenders under 54 seconds in the last 12 months. A host of others, including Olympic silver medallist, former world record hold and defending Olympic Trials champion Libby Trickett will be amongst those contesting a place in a Relay squad that at best can challenge for gold in London. The big question? Who will make the final and what time will it take to make it?

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 21 200m Freestyle A qualifying time: 1:58.33 Season’s best: Bronte Barratt (1:56.92) Contenders: Bronte Barratt, , Melanie Schlanger, , Jade Neilsen, , , Alicia Coutts, Merinda Dingjan, Yolane Kukla, Kelly Stubbins. Outlook: This race is a case of throw all the cards in the air and who knows how they will fall. On season’s form it has developed into a race in two Barratt and Schlanger, with no sign of World Championship silver medallist Kylie Palmer who won last year’s National crown in 1:55.73, which you would think would be enough to win this year’s title as well. Barratt produced the season’s best at the NSW Championships, overtaking big improver Schlanger. The likes of Bainbridge, Neilsen, Evans, Rice, Coutts, Dingjan, Kukla and Stubbins will be in the hunt for a top eight place and then a top six. The big question? Who will come up trumps when the cards fall?

400m Freestyle A qualifying time: 4:09.35 Season’s best: Bronte Barratt (4:06.82) Contenders: Bronte Barratt, Kylie Palmer, Katie Goldman, Blair Evans, Angie Bainbridge Outlook: Based on the last 12 months, the battle royals that Palmer and Barratt have staged, this looks like a race in two. They are the only swimmers who have swum under 4:05 while Barratt’s time to win the NSW title (4:06.82) showing she is approaching her best and will be ready for Adelaide and her old sparring and training partner Palmer. No reason why these two can’t challenge for the Olympic podium. The big question? Will the winner break Bronte Barratt’s Australian record of 4:04.16 set in Beijing?

800m Freestyle A qualifying time: 8:33.84 Season’s best: Remy Fairweather (8:31.69) Contenders: Remy Fairweather, Katie Goldman, Melissa Gorman, Blair Evans, Bonnie McDonald, Jessica Ashwood Outlook: Katie Goldman’s 8:24.71 at December’s Queensland Champs showed she meant business at the start of the Olympic season. Australian record holder Kylie Palmer will go into the Trials as the girl to beat with Blair Evans right in the picture. But the young challenges will come thick and fast as well with 14-year-old Sunshine Coaster Remy Fairweather, bringing back memories of two 13-year-olds named Michelle Ford and who made the team in 1976. Her negative split of 4:16 and 4:15 at the NSW Champs certainly caught the eye and makes the Peter Gartrell coached youngster from Kawana a real threat. The big question? Can one of the “new” youngsters gatecrash a place onto the team?

200m Backstroke A qualifying time: 2:10.84 Season’s best: Belinda Hocking (2:09.04) Contenders: Belinda Hocking, , Mikkayla Maselli-Sheridan, Emily Seebohm Outlook: This race has developed into two horses. Hocking and Nay – second and third in the world last year; 2:06.06 and 2:07.17 and those times replicated in Adelaide should be fast enough to seal their spots on the plane for a second Olympics. And if so then they will both be in with a shot. Hocking was in the final in Beijing and Nay just missed. Both have continued to improve with Hocking grabbing silver at the World Champs in Shanghai. The big question? Who can pick the exact? Hocking and Nay or Nay and Hocking?

22 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA Photograph courtesy of Swimming Australia Limited 100m Backstroke A qualifying time: 1:00.82 Season’s best: Emily Seebohm (59.36) Contenders: Emily Seebohm, Belinda Hocking, Sophie Edington, Grace Loh, Tayliah Zimmer, Meagen Nay Outlook: If Emily Seebohm’s performances at the Queensland and NSW State Championships in December and February count for anything then there’s one spot signed and sealed. And if Hocking can replicate her form from the World Championships then there’s the second spot sewn up. But Edington and Nay – two roomies from past Aussie teams – are sure to have a say in proceedings and make the top two qualifiers earn their places. In what will be a very high standard affair don’t be surprised if the top four are under the minute but the winner could well be under 59 and that will put the top two in serious gold medal contention in London. The big question? Will Emily Seebohm or Belinda Hocking become the first Australian under 59 for 100m backstroke? Now that’s a milestone in textile suits!

100m Breaststroke A qualifying time: 1:08.49 Season’s best: Leiston Pickett (1:07.36) Contenders: Leisel Jones, Leiston Pickett, Sarah Katsoulis Outlook: It is certainly a shock to look down the current world rankings to find Leisel Jones sitting 16th on 1:09.00, and even though it is only March it is the lowest she has ever been since she first gate-crashed her way into the rankings in the year 2000 at just 14. Jones has consistently been in the top three – in fact four times at No 1 in the world; four at second, two at three and her first year in at fourth. Her lowest has been 2009, the year of the “super suits” and the year she took off from major international championship competition and her 1:06.01 ranked her 11th. The three previous years she was No 1 in the world on 1:05.09, 1:05.72 and 1:05.17, when she won the 2008 Olympics. Jones may be at 16th now but she won’t be after the Olympic Trials. She only has to go 1 or 2 to create history as the first Australian swimmer to make four Olympic teams. She will be accompanied to London by Southport’s Leiston Pickett. The big question? Can LJ win her 24th National Title and her 12th in the 100m breaststroke or can Pickett inflict only her second loss in 13 appearances?

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 23 200m Breaststroke A qualifying time: 2:26.89 Season’s best: Sally Foster (2:27.08) Contenders: Sally Foster, Leisel Jones, Sarah Katsoulis, Tessa Wallace. Outlook: On recent form Foster and Katsoulis are the two girls most likely. Foster has the best form on the board and Katsoulis is back, searching for a place on her first Olympic team. It would certainly be a wonderful story if “Kat” can add her name to Australia’s Olympians list after a decade of knocking on the door. Tessa Wallace, after showing promise, but battling injury and illness, is now back in contention. But… The big question? Will Leisel Jones put her hand up to swim this event after dropping it from her repertoire in 2010?

100m Butterfly A qualifying time: 58.70 Season’s best: Yolane Kukla (58.54) Contenders: Yolane Kukla, Alicia Coutts, , (nee Mills) Outlook: ’s pocket rocket Yolane Kukla has wasted no time in putting her hand up with the season ‘s best and her person al best time of 58.54 at the NSW Champs but will it be fast enough to hold off Coutts and Schipper who have both swum under 57. If there is an opening then Kukla will be the one to muscle her way through it. Alice Tait would love nothing better than to turn her clock back when she clocked 58.10 as Alice Mills in 2006, but even that or a touch faster may not be enough to get her on the team. The big question? Can Jessicah Schipper hang on to make her third Olympic team?

200m Butterfly A qualifying time: 2:08.95 Season’s best: Jackie Staples (2:12.56) Contenders: Jessicah Schipper, Samantha Hamill Outlook: For an event that has seen Australians in a dominant position since Susie O’Neill’s bronze in 1992, the prospects look remarkably thin with only Schipper and Hamill showing any kind of form over the last 12 months that may well consider them as candidates for the team again. Steph Rice will by-pass the event to concentrate on her pet IMs and the 200m freestyle and any other hopefuls have never broken 2:10 let alone approached the Olympic A time of 2:08.95. The big question? Can Sam Hamill win her first National Long Course Title and make her second Olympic team?

24 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA Photograph courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot) - ASCTA Photographer of the Year 200 IM A qualifying time: 2:13.36 Season’s best: Emily Seebohm (2:11.55) Contenders: Alicia Coutts, Stephanie Rice, Emily Seebohm, Blair Evans Outlook: Alicia Coutts was just 0.10 away from gold in this event at last year’s World Champs and you can rest assured she will come out all guns blazing to ensure she gets a chance to set the record straight at her second Olympic Games. Rest assured the Olympic champion in Stephanie Rice, despite her shoulder concerns, will be in the same frame of mind. Add a determined Emily Seebohm and Blair Evans into the mix and it will be one of the highlights of the meet. The big question? Can Seebohm split Rice and Coutts?

400 IM A qualifying time: 4:41.75 Season’s best: Blair Evans (4:36.21) Contenders: Stephanie Rice, Samantha Hamill, Blair Evans Outlook: A race in three between Rice, Hamill and Evans. Unfortunately one will miss the boat. Rice and Evans have the two fastest ever times by Australians – Rice’s Olympic record time of 4:29.45 and Evans winning time in this year’s South Australian Championships of 4:36.21 which puts her very much in the picture. Hamill will need a lifetime best to make inroads on the top two. Given Rice’s injury predicament, this event could well be Evans best shot at making the team and it’s on the opening night so first and second in the women’s 400IM will have the honour of being the first swimmers on the team. Hamill, also entered in the 200m butterfly, could also put a spanner in the works. The big question? Can Rice scrape through the first night to get the chance to defend her title and along with Leisel Jones and Libby Trickett swim for a chance of becoming the first Australian woman since in 1960 to successfully defend an Olympic title.

By Ian Hanson Ian will attend the London Olympic Games as the Deputy Media Director of the Australian Olympic Team.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 25 Sofitel Gold Coast, Broadbeach 24th April – 1st May 2012

You Deserve a Treat!

After another long, hard summer you deserve a special treat… and there is none better for those attending the Convention than to stay in-house.

The Sofitel Gold Coast: • Is affordable – far cheaper than anything of comparative stature! • Has unbelievable room rates for a 5 star establishment. • Includes up to 2 FULL Breakfasts per room per night, saving $70.00 per sitting. • Is supremely located. Kurrawa Beach (10 year home of Australian Surf Champs) is across the road. Fantastic variety of high quality eateries (and cheapies too). Monorail link to Casino.

Other benefits from staying at the Sofitel Gold Coast include: • FREE Welcome Party for those registered for the Convention and staying in-house (value $45.00) • Discount of $40/day off paid Conference registration for each night staying in-house at the Sofitel • Staying in the heart of the action – networking • Enjoying the convenience of being on-site Treat yourself to a special end-of-season 5 star occasion – you deserve it. asctaCONVENTION Sneak Peak!

Teaching Babies: The Blue Buoy Way

Presented by Johnny and Cindy Johnson

Introducing infants to the water in a swim lesson program can have a far reaching and long lasting effect on their lives. Lessons that are developmentally appropriate, fun nurturing and filled with positive reinforcement, will establish a foundation for success, not only in the water, but also in life. The effects from an aggressive survival program with negative reinforcement and without fun may be quite different.

Scientific studies have shown that an adverse environment can compromise a young child’s brain function and overall development, placing him or her at greater risk of developing a variety of cognitive, behavioural, and physical difficulties. Unmanageable stress can lead to neurological changes resulting in issues concerning trust, self-esteem and confidence and difficulties with some higher brain functions. But, in a positive environment, the opportunities are equally dramatic. A good start in life can do more to promote learning and prevent damage than we ever imagined.

There are many benefits associated with beginning In addition to building the foundation for learning swimming a child’s water experience early. Once a child has skills, the child develops increased cardio- vascular and learned to walk, his brain is imprinted via sensory respiratory ability, muscle tone from moving against integration with a perception and control of the resistance of the water, a positive, developmentally balance which is based on opposition to gravity and appropriate swim lesson program provides self-confidence maintaining an upright posture. and esteem, and an enjoyable experience with a loving trusted teacher. In the water, gravity is negated by buoyancy and a sense of weightlessness is experienced. This can An environment built on trust and love, fun and positive skill create a great deal of stress and anxiety for a toddler attainment can reap lifelong benefits. We are in our third or an older child. However, an infant who is allowed generations of students at Blue Buoy Swim School, where to develop his breath control and balance in the great beginnings…lead to great finishes. water as he simultaneously develops his land skills will have an expanded awareness of his physical world.

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Register online at www.ascta.com or www.swimaustralia.org.au asctaCONVENTION Sneak Peaks!

The Importance of Correct Demonstration

Presented by Gary Barclay

Many swimmers of all ages are visual learners. Coaches and teachers have an obligation to use correct demonstrations when showing swimmers how to do a complete stroke if they would like their swimmers to swim correctly.

This session will explore how to demonstrate the four strokes correctly and how each of us is a little bit different in the way we demonstrate. It will also look at the demonstration of drills and skills for each stroke and how you as a teacher or coach can improve your own demonstrations to ensure the children you are responsible for have the best opportunity to learn correctly.

It will be an interactive session whereby coaches and teachers will have the opportunity to work together to improve their demonstrations and understand why correct demonstrations are so important.

International Learning and Sharing from Juniors to High Performance

Presented by Bill Sweetenham

This talk will be an extension of my second lecture, and will discuss the recruitment of knowledge from outside the swimming and sporting fraternity, and how this information was able to be shared with coaches and athletes from many countries. It will cover the need to look beyond Australian shores in order to provide opportunity for teachers, coaches and professional staff in the swim industry to have access to advantageous information which can be applied successfully to our Australian market.

The opportunity for improved performance for our client base in Australian swimming by seeing, observing and learning from overseas markets will be explored, and how we can best utilise the sharing of information. Also covered will be the opportunity to look at the influence, especially the positive influence of non-Australian coaches and their influence during their coaching years on Australian soil, as well as Australian coaches who have sought experience in the international market by residential coaching appointments in foreign countries. To share is to grow. Many countries have failed due to their inability and insecurity to share with other countries' coaches and as such, have lived to see their programmes stagnate or move backwards.

SWIMMINGWhat does IN international AUSTRALIA sharing mean, and how can it helps us? This 28 will be addressed in detail. asctaCONVENTION Trade Expo

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With so many different types of For many small to medium size The limit of cover you need is dependent insurances available, it’s hard to know businesses, the best way to go when on the size of a swim school, number of which ones you need and the extent to taking out insurance is to buy a package students, activities conducted by your which you need to cover your business. of different products tailored to your business and leasee requirements. What protection does public liability, slips business’s unique requirements. So, the dollar amount you need to be and falls, and employment practices covered for should reflect these factors. liability offer? What’s not covered and To insure teachers, coaches and swim Most business insurance packages how do you know how much cover schools against a public liability claim, comprise of cover for damage to property you need? In this article, we look at a minimum of $10 million cover is ideal. caused by events such as fire, business what insurances are available and the Check with ASCTA Insurance Brokers to interruption, and theft. Additional importance of ensuring your business is ensure you have adequate level of cover insurance cover that is important for fully covered. for you and your business. teachers, coaches and swim schools include slips and falls, public liability and Arranging insurance for your business workers’ compensation*. * Marsh does not arrange workers is much like arranging cover for your compensation insurance in those States home and contents. You’ve worked hard where there is a government scheme Public liability covers personal injury to acquire these assets, and having and provides only consultancy services in or property damage caused by an insurance means that in the devastating those States. event that you lose part or all of these, occurrence at your business. Businesses you will at least recover your losses have a duty of care to provide a safe financially. Organising insurance for your environment and, if an individual suffers This article contains general information, business operates in much the same way. an injury at a place of business, the does not take into account your individual business may be covered for the cost of objectives, financial situation or needs. the damages awarded to the individual, For full details of the terms, conditions You’ve worked hard to build up a clientele as well as court costs, if ordered by the and limitations of the covers, refer to the base, and set up a successful swim court. For example, if a student slips on specific policy wordings and/or Product school. Should someone make a claim a puddle by the pool, and no precautions Disclosure Statements available from against you that sees you pay out five, were taken to warn people, like having Marsh on request. Marsh Pty Ltd ABN 86 or six figure sums, could your business a caution sign visible, the duty of care is 004 651 512, AFSL 238939 arrange the sustain such a loss without adequate evidently breached and the policy still insurance and is not the insurer. 12/0028 insurance? An annual, or monthly may respond. A related insurance is premium payment can not only cover you product liability insurance, which covers for financial loss, but it also takes away damage or injury caused by a product Copyright 2011 Marsh Pty Ltd that worry of un-insurance. your business may sell, supply or deliver such as kick boards, floaties, flippers and For more information, contact ASCTA So, where do you start? the like. Insurance Brokers: Ph: 1300 305 575 Email: [email protected] Thoughts on Age Groupers and Meets: Engineering Success By Michael Brooks "Meets are fun when kids swim fast. Championship meets are especially fun when kids swim fast. I want to be happy/content at meets. I try to engineer things so everyone is happy."

The Big Picture: think several steps ahead Use incentive programs to encourage early Swimmers and Coaches must set standards of where you are now: give kids the tools to qualifying. over and above local expectations. If be successful down the road at the highest necessary, put teeth into these standards. (I levels, not just today at this level. Kids with would prefer to watch mistakes during the I post a list of championship meet qualifiers talent or with good training can get away season than at the championships). from the day after our first meet of the with a lot locally when they are young. If season, shout up the qualifiers at every Use local invitationals as practice for they want to succeed as seniors nationally, opportunity, and be sure to update the list nationals. they can’t have those weaknesses. with each meet. 5. SWIM FAST ALL SEASON LONG, AND Reverse engineering: figure out what FASTEST AT THE END. I WANT they want in the end, and the common FREQUENT BEST TIMES, WITH Swimming fast (enough) early means you nightmares you want to avoid, then work PLANNED “BUMPS.” backwards so that you create – somewhat have options; at meets we can swim what we Nightmare: beat them down all season, systematically – the sort of age group racers want to, not what we have to. swimming slow and expecting to swim you want. slow, putting much too much pressure on 1. GO TO THE MEET TO SWIM FAST, TO It must be emphasized to the swimmers and their last meet to salvage a season of work, BE A PLAYER, NOT TO GET A T-SHIRT, parents how important regular attendance swimming fast once a season or once a year. NOT’FOR THE EXPERIENCE’. at the team meets is for a swimmer’s • Train fast. Try practice performance to progress. Nightmare: swimmer whose goal is to meet expectations. “make the cut,” who accomplish their goal, • Meet performances are largely a attend the meet “for the experience,” swim 3. HAVE OPTIONS: BE VERSATILE function of swimmers expectations. terribly, finish 97th… (SO YOUR WHOLE SWIMMING LIFE They must expect to swim fast or Much of the problem can be alleviated DOESN’T HINGE ON THE RESULTS OF they will not; they will expect to if they through proper goal setting. ONE EVENT). are swimming fast in practice and you Step 1 (necessary but not sufficient) is to Nightmare: spend five days at a meet for one tell them they will swim fast at the meet. make the qualifying standard; THEN comes swim, then going too slow in the morning • Swim fast, even with little to no rest. set 2, which is to go to the meet and swim and being finished, disappointed. We came • They swim fast all season, not just fast. all this way for that!? once at the end. Progress is continual We talk about this ALL THE TIME. This is a training program goal rather and cumulative. No “in season” slow Making the cuts early in the season (see than a strictly meet goal, but it has huge swimming then expecting “taper meet” Goal #2) allows time for swimmers to re-set implications for how meets will go. speed. Even when this “works,” they their goals, to refocus their expectations and Train for everything; be good at everything. swim fast once a season, so they make intentions. The more versatile a swimmer, the more progress once a season. Most of the I compile and distribute GOAL SHEETS, not choices and options available. time they are treading water or moving only with qualifying standards, but also with Also the more events, the more the pressure backwards from where they were six TIMES TO FINAL. is spread out and the levels of stress are months previous! 2. MAKE CUTS EARLY; DON’T WAIT UNTIL manageable. THE LAST MINUTE. 4. LEARN TO AND PRACTICE SWIMMING Planned periodic Bumps: plan the meet Nightmare: swim slow throughout the FAST IN THE MORNINGS, SO YOU CAN schedule well – the right meets at the right season. SWIM AT NIGHT AT THE time so as to make little to mid-sized jumps CHAMPIONSHIPS. all season long. • Having to “over-race” their main events because they keep missing cuts. Nightmare: the problem of the local hero; establishing habits physical and mental • Then making the cut in a “last chance” Bumps are phychological and physical leaps of swimming slow in prelims in local P&F meet, the emotional high-point of the forward. “Bump” meets are practically built meets because they can, doing the same at season. for swimming fast: nationals where they cannot, and watching • Then attending the championship and finals from the stands. swimming miserably. • Good teams from a wide area, What kids can get away with locally they cannot nationally, so DO NOT LET THEM • Kids that haven’t raced before (so no I do not like kids waiting until the last minute locally. established pecking order), to qualify for championship meets. The Coach must emphasize morning swims • A fairly high level of competition – they are IMPORTANT! Just because you • A prelims and finals format with I want them focusing their training and their made finals doesn’t mean it was good pressure to swim fast twice. expectations on their target meet from well enough!! (Coaches are often complicit in the in advance. problem, “good for a morning,” “nicely done, you made it back..”) 32 Photograph courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot) - ASCTA Photographer of the Year

Training + raised expectations = a bump There is a lot to think about, meaning a lot to After races: the 2 minute drill: in performance; best times and nice steps stress about, unless it has become a habit. forward = a rearranging of goals and • Finish your race expectations for future training and racing. The worse the conditions and the longer • Talk to me, briefly the meet, the more important meet • Warmdown. At most two minutes from Bumps keep the swimmers moving forward, management is. race finish to splashdown in warmup meaning motivated. pool. SWIM! The greater the stress and more important • Don’t stand around and chat. 6. GIVE A CONSISTENT EFFORT AND the meet, the more important both the Warmdown is the beginning of the next QUALITY OF PERFORMANCE, routine and the self-reliance become. race ESPECIALLY THROUGHOUT A LONG AND HARD MEET. Each meet becomes an exercise in taking Between races: & 7. CREATE SELF-RELIANT KIDS WHO care of your goals, in learning to take care of KNOW HOW TO THINK FOR AND TAKE all those little details so that you don’t have CARE OF THEMSELVES DURING A to think about you; you do them naturally, Relax and stay off your feet. Cheer for your MEET. automatically, and habitually, so that you can teammates. Keep warm. Eat and drink Nightmare: kids who are wildly inconsistent free your mind on the racing. appropriately. from event to event; kids who fade badly Pay attention to what’s going on, know the during the course of a long meet and who order of events, know what race is in the Expect kids to get better at this throughout are good for nothing by the end. water now, know how many heats of your the season. Nightmare: kids who have no idea how to get event and the ones before yours, know when ready for their races; kids who expect me to you race and make sure you plan out your hold their hands or baby-sit them through a Once swimmers are well-rehearsed in meet preparation for your next race. The heat meet. management, their performances are much sheet is your friend! more consistent than when “nature takes The goal: creating consistency by planned its course,” Patterns emerge (which they meet management; creating self-reliance by 8. OBEY THE “RULES FOR RACING”. do not when performances are essentially teaching meet management. random), allowing the Coach to see the • Race your guts out Simply, meet management is planning results of his program. • Get your best time in the morning, and ahead, creating a mental and physical move up spots routine for consistent peak performance • Always swim faster at night and move up that is practiced at every meet, before and Before races: more spots (unless qualified first, then after every swim, making every decision hold) during a meet based on what is going to help • Talk to your Coach before every race you race your best, maximizing the recovery • Swim better as meet progresses and • Laser-beam focus. “No matter what” after each race so as to prepare for the next others tire attitude one. It means making good choices about • In any close race, get your hand on the how to act at a meet, so that every time you • Warm up wall first step on the block, you are fully prepared • Get tougher the tougher the conditions. mentally and physically to give a maximum Purpose thereof. Enjoy the challenge. No Whining! effort/peak performance. Learning how to Content and intensity is key. • Expect to swim fast; decide to swim fast do this is an important step towards elite every time level performance. Timing is key – 22 minutes before splash • Learn from your mistakes; fix them. • There are a myriad of things that are A race warmup done too early is worthless; Learn from others’ mistakes; avoid them involved in swimming fast at a meet: a race warmup that doesn’t warm you up and prepare you to race is worthless • Cherish being on relays; swim even • Dressing for the weather faster on relays (or we’re not going to • Eating and drinking the right things in bother entering them) the right amounts at the right time (“When do I warm up?” My answer is, “Warm up when it is appropriate to do so Note: our training prepares swimmers so • Paying attention to what race is in the – and if you do not know when that is, one that they can “obey the rules,” we talk about water and when your next race is of the older squad children will help you this all the time, and we practice obeying • Warming up with the right things at the figure it out.” In this way the older kids have the rules from the first meet onwards every right intensities at the right times the responsibility for helping the younger season, so that they expect to succeed. • Mentally preparing for each race kids figure out how to be self-reliant tough Reprinted from ASCA Journal • Talking through your races with your racers.) Coach, etc

• Warming down with the right things at

the right intensities at the right time • Spending your time wisely between sessions and between days 33 Creating Pathways for Swimming and water safety within Teacher Education: A University Perspective Dr. Timothy Lynch, Monash University, Faculty of Education

In Semester One, 2011 at Monash provision of quality lessons at no cost University (Gippsland) as part of for local primary school children (from a Collaboration with the Bachelor of Primary Education disadvantaged socio-economic Gippsland ASCTA course, it was decided a pathway be region), who otherwise would not have created through the implementation of received swimming lessons. This was Once the decision to create a pathway swimming and water safety education in of particular benefit as although, a had been made, the next stage Primary schools. considerable amount of work has been involved choosing an Australian attributed to educating the Australian Swimming and water safety provider. public about swimming and water Programs associated with courses and Introduction safety awareness in a commitment to qualifications for teaching Swimming reducing drowning fatalities, research and water safety that were most suitable Monash University (Gippsland campus) suggests that rural and isolated schools included: is situated in Churchill, Latrobe Valley, find it most difficult to conduct aquatic located in central Gippsland, eastern activities. Furthermore, the best time • Australian Swimming Coaches and Victoria. Primary education university to prepare children for safe aquatic Teachers Association (ASCTA) Swim students, choosing the Physical participation and provide the skills and Australia Teacher Education (PE) major stream, study knowledge needed to have a lifelong • Austswim training of teachers of the unit EDF2616 Experiencing Aquatic safe association with water is during swimming and water safety Environments. It is a requirement within childhood. this unit and also for Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) teacher registration The third provider contacted was Royal that PE graduates from initial teacher The discussion paper released in August Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) education programs in the primary 2011 titled ‘A tertiary education plan which in the state of Victoria is known as school have a current teacher of for Gippsland, Victoria’ (Department Lifesaving Victoria. Courses in relation swimming and water safety qualification of Education and Early Childhood to Swimming and water safety that (VIT, 2008). The unit at Gippsland campus Development, 2011) supports such Livesaving Victoria provide include; previously required that students pathways as it ‘encourages building on Keep Watch, Swim and Survive, Bronze complete this during their own time and existing partnerships and strengthening Medallion, Junior Lifeguard Club and presented evidence of this qualification articulation arrangements between Grey Medallion. which cost them approximately $350. providers’. In the written submissions Correspondence with providers was However, the question was asked by for the discussion paper specifically initiated and it was anticipated that they the Gippsland unit co-ordinator, that if focussing within the Gippsland context would share similar swimming and water the students were attending a one hour suggests that ‘the need for additional safety educational aspirations. lecture and a two hour workshop each training capacity and improved week focusing on outcomes relating to collaboration between providers of aquatics and water safety education then tertiary education and industry was The response from ASCTA and RLSSA with a carefully designed unit workshop identified as a major concern’. was very optimistic and built the programme why couldn’t a pathway be There are five key outcomes identified foundations for strong partnerships. established to meet the swimming and by the Gippsland tertiary education plan Both organisations were flexible in their water safety course units of competency project, a derivative of the Melbourne disposition (within reason) and offered at the same time? Declaration on Educational Goals for affordable courses for the university Young Australians, and it is specifically students. It was evident that ASCTA and This question initiated the journey the third key outcome that supports the RLSSA clearly valued the opportunity of collaboration between Australian unit co-ordinators holistic vision: to promote swimming and water Registered Training Organisations 3. Improved participation in education safety. Staff appeared to be personal (RTO), the local health industry (local and training more generally for the and understanding in their dealings leisure and sports centre) and external community. with the Gippsland unit co-ordinator, swimming instructors employed at the moved hastily to recognise the unit venue, local Primary schools and the co-ordinator’s prior learning (RPL) and University sector; Monash University - to have the courses fully prepared so Gippsland. Through implementing ‘hands that success for all stakeholders was on’ practical teaching and learning optimised. It was axiomatic that both experiences for the university students, providers aimed to promote swimming subsequently the workshops enabled the and water safety to its full potential and Photograph courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot) - ASCTA Photographer of the Year

Table 1 - Comparison Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Austswim ASCTA between providers Course Austswim Teacher of Swim Australia Teacher (SAT) Swimming and water safety (Australian Government, 2011) Minimal cost required by provider $215 $100 Cost for university students $215 $100 Amount of time valid 3 years 4 years National recognition RTO 104975 RTO 20948 International recognition - International Federation of Swim Teachers Association (IFTSTA) Units of competency SRC AQU 003B SRC AQU 003B SRC AQU 008B SRC AQU 008B SRC AQU 009B SRC AQU 009B SRC AQU 0110B SRC AQU 0110B SRC AQU 0111B SRC AQU 0111B SRC AQU 013B SRC AQU 013B SRC CRO 007B SRC CRO 007B in a professional manner. Prioritising Swim Australia Teacher (SAT), Royal Life Learning how to teach swimming and the ‘education’ was a commonality of both Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) Bronze opportunity to teach kids how to swim RTOs which appeared to enable strong Medallion (BM) and RLSSA Resuscitation in prac. All aspects that we learnt about collaboration with Monash University (RE) courses. The students were related to teaching primary kids (which Faculty of Education. required to have current resuscitation hasn’t happened in the last 2 yrs of PE). accreditation to obtain a Swim Australia The Unit co-ordinator’s explanations With both Swimming and water safety Teacher qualification, so this enabled a and teaching was fantastic with the use courses offering identical units of pathway within a pathway. of his prior experiences etc. and also competency (Table 1), the difference his hard work to help us reach success in all tasks. (personal communication, other than price was that ASCTA duration Benefits of creating pathways was four years rather than Austswim’s September 2, 2011). From a Gippsland tertiary education three. Hence, the provider chosen for perspective, aquatics educational the purpose of education was ASCTA and perspective, Melbourne Declaration on The children from the local Primary the course was Swim Australia Teacher Educational Goals for Young Australians, schools were excited to be taught by (SAT). rural and isolated schools and university the education students during each perspective, the effort of creating of the three weeks. Parents came to ASCTA is Australia’s peak professional pathways is well justified and rewarded. support their children and comments swimming body and courses are The process has begun, involving from teachers, teaching assistants, recognised by International Federation collaboration between RTOs, the local parents and the children expressed their of Swim Teachers Association (IFTSTA), health industry (local leisure and sports gratitude for the lessons provided. One thus providing a world class curriculum centre), local Primary schools and the teacher wrote; “My kids had a ball with for all stakeholders in support of the University sector; Monash University the swimming. They were disappointed commitment to action in achieving the – Gippsland. A process that can be that it was only for the extra two weeks Melbourne Declaration on Educational reflected upon, reassessed, amendments (one week was a holiday for this school). Goals for Young Australians (December, made and relationships strengthened. Like I said to you then, any time you 2008). As part of the SAT Swimming need children feel free to approach us. and water safety course the university We are very willing to assist.” (personal Feedback from the Primary schools and students provided low ratio quality communication, July 23, 2011). education students was very encouraging lessons for local Primary school and evidenced that they found the students over three weeks. Research pathways to be meaningful and valuable. Positive experiences for children and conducted by Peden, Franklin and The unit co-ordinator was commended by their families promotes Swimming Larsen (2009) suggests this was to be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Swim and water safety and builds aquatic of great value as implementation of the Australia (ASCTA) based on feedback confidence for the Primary School Health and Physical Education (HPE) the education student participants children, University students learning area within Australian rural and expressed in the SAT student evaluations and Primary School Teachers. isolated primary schools and specifically summary (personal communication, Implementation of swimming and swimming and water safety often June 24, 2011), which was reinforced in water safety into the school curriculum presents obstacles. the university unit evaluation completed enables children to become aware of Pathways created included the by the students where the best aspects of water safety, subsequently decreasing opportunity for the university students the unit included: drowning fatalities in the short and to obtain qualifications in Australian long term. Furthermore, it builds an Swimming Coaches and Teachers optimistic image of Monash University Association (ASCTA) - within the community.