Increased confidence, the development of friendships, the learning of life skills and opportunities never thought possible have resulted from a unique program operating out of Melbourne's west. 

 

 

Driven to a large extent by Kiemi Lei (Western Bulldogs) and Brenda Fisher (ARV), candidates were first guided through a three-month 'pre-course' program, to enable the group to gradually build their competency and confidence in the water, and perhaps most importantly, understand the water safety messages that had previous been so foreign.  Two nights of training each week assisted in this goal, and once the basics were grasped, the development of stroke techniques and water familiarisation methods followed.

 

Numbers have increased in the course's second year, with one significant by-product of the program being the mentoring role it has created.  This role is performed by the course's original participants, and is vital in providing assistance to current participants who may experience difficulty in understanding the principles behind the teacher’s instructions.

 

Many of this year's participants had not experienced water based activities prior to the course, mainly due to a lack of opportunity and a lack of understanding of water safety.  Now these individuals are taking the water safety messages to their families and multicultural communities. 

 

Upon completion of the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course, employment possibilities abound as a swimming teacher at their aquatic facility, potentially as a part of VICSWIM this summer.