AusLeisure

The Western Australian Government has announced that Year 11 and 12 students can now be trained as qualified swimming instructors, advising that it is getting the state “summer-ready”.

Advising that is backing initiatives to meet state-wide demand for pool lifeguards and swimming instructors, Western Australian Education and Training Minister, Sue Ellery today advised that two nationally recognised short courses - the Pool Lifeguard Skill Set and Swimming and Water Safety Teacher Skill Set - will fast-track participants into entry-level pool lifeguarding and swimming instructor roles in time for the aquatic industry's busy summer period.

Minister Ellery explained “spending time around the water is part of the Western Australian way of life and these new courses will ensure swimming is safe and learning how to swim is accessible.

"These new pathways are a great opportunity for young people and jobseekers to secure year-round work that offers flexible hours and makes a real difference in the community.

"They will not only lead to jobs that are available right now, they can also be used as a stepping stone to further study, providing pathways to roles in management and program co-ordination across the community recreation field."

The courses were developed after consultation with Royal Life Saving WA (RLSWA) who identified the state-wide need for additional pool lifeguards and swimming teachers to meet its need for demand.

RLSWA will deliver the new 'job ready' short courses, which are fee-free for concession students, certain age groups and jobseekers as part of the WA Recovery Plan.

The Swimming and Water Safety Teacher Skill Set will teach participants how to perform water rescues, and teach water familiarisation, buoyancy and a variety of swimming strokes.

The Pool Lifeguard Skill Set will teach participants how to perform water rescues, administer first aid and oxygen, and supervise in an aquatic environment.

Each course can be used as credit toward further qualifications including the Certificate III in Aquatics and Community Recreation, which is a pathway to a wider range of employment opportunities across the aquatic and recreation industry, or further study.

Course fees will apply to non-concession eligible students.

In an additional initiative, school students now have the opportunity to receive fully-funded training to become qualified swimming instructors for the Department of Education's VacSwim program.

Eligible Year 11 and 12 students can register now to take part in the training and gain paid employment over the summer holidays during VacSwim.

To be eligible, students must be at least 17 years of age at the start of Term 4.

The training will be available across the metropolitan area and in specific regional centres. Participants will also receive ongoing support and mentoring.

At the end of the training, students can then apply for swimming instructor positions across the State in time for VacSwim lessons with opportunities for further employment after VacSwim.

Upon completion, trainees will obtain an accredited swimming teacher qualification, Swim Australia Teacher (SAT), and CPR qualification.

Royal Life Saving Society WA Chief Executive, Peter Leaversuch added “these new training courses will ensure Royal Life Saving can effectively train the required staff to fill positions across the State.

"Learning swimming and water safety skills is vital to ensure all WA children can safely participate on, in and around water, and is the single most important investment we can make as a community to prevent drowning."

For more information go to www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au and www.education.wa.edu.au/swimming

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