Aqua guidelines launched

​In a significant move for the industry, AUSTSWIM's Aqua Position Paper and Guidelines were launched at the recent FILEX fitness convention in Melbourne.

About 1800 people attended the national conference where AUSTSWIM CEO Jennifer Schembri-Portelli (JSP) introduced the two critical documents.

The event was just two days after the Australian Water Safety Council's launch of its 2016-2020 drowning prevention strategy. The strategy identified areas where action is needed to achieve a 50% reduction in drowning by the 2020 – including creating opportunities for more aqua professionals.

JSP said for many, particularly older people, the aquatic environment was the only effective setting in which to remain active.

"The results of people remaining physically active are known to have long-term positive benefits on health and wellbeing," she said.

"The growing awareness for health and wellbeing coupled with an ageing population sees the industry responding with increased aqua programming in facilities worldwide.

"But the industry has also identified a critical shortage of accredited, insured and skilled aqua instructors to meet the expanding demand. Supply and demand are at a crossroad; provision of inclusive and accessible aqua classes for community participants is at crisis point."

It is in this environment that AUSTSWIM has formalised its involvement with the industry through the Position Paper and Guidelines – providing a roadmap for both the industry and aqua presenters and instructors.

 "AUSTSWIM is leading the way in providing aqua instructor training," JSP said.

"It's a win-win-win situation. A win for meeting industry demand; a win for providing career pathway options for teachers of swimming and water safety, fitness instructors and allied health professionals; and a win for participants as classes presented by accredited, insured and skilled aqua instructors become more readily available."​

AUSTSWIM is Australia's peak provider of swimming and water safety teacher education. You can read the Position Paper and Guidelines at www.austswim.com.au​

http://www.austswim.com.au/AboutUs/IndustryGuidelines/Guidelines.aspx​