Take Plunge and become swim instructor

Hundreds of prospective swim teachers will be eligible for free instructor training to help meet demand of the NSW Government’s First Lap voucher program, aimed at pre-school water safety.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said up to 750 more accredited swim instructors will receive training to support the program.

“Whether you’re enjoying a splash at the local pool, heading to the beach or going for a dip in a river, it is important that children have the skills and confidence in and around water,” Mr Ayres said.

The First Lap voucher program provides $100 vouchers to parents, guardians and carers of children aged 3-6 years who are not yet enrolled in school, or kindergarten children who missed out on swimming lessons due to the pandemic.

Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association Ltd and AUSTSWIM Ltd have been offered a Smart and Skilled contract, joining Royal Life Saving Society of Australia (New South Wales Branch) in delivering the new swim instructor places.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said swimming is a life skill which is best taught in a child’s early years and the initiative will ensure children learn vital water safety education.

“Teaching kids to swim is a fun, rewarding and flexible career and with jobs in-demand now is the perfect time to start your journey in the aquatics industry,” Mr Henskens said.

Royal Life Saving swim instructor Nora Moeke recently completed her free instructor-training course, after rethinking her corporate career during the pandemic.

“I wanted a more community-based career and this is an incredible opportunity for others wanting to take the plunge and become a swimming instructor,” Ms Moeke said.

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