Compulsory swimming instruction in state schools must be available as early as possible in the student's school life, but not later than year 3 level.
Instruction must include aspects of water safety and survival.
Every child in state schools in Tasmania must have an equal opportunity to participate. The program is directed towards years 3, 4 and 5 children who will participate in thirty lessons that are usually organised over ten consecutive days per year. The extension of the program to other years is desirable where circumstances permit.
All qualified health and well being teachers in primary and district high schools will be available for the teaching of the school program. Schools whose Health and Well Being teachers have not participated in the annual re qualification seminar are liable for the costs of relief to employ a suitably qualified teacher to conduct their program.
- To adjust the individual student to the water environment
- To develop an understanding of water safety, survival and swimming practices
- To provide a broad variety of experiences within the context of the venue in order to meet individual needs and difference
- To develop a sound and broad base of water skill and basic stroke techniques to enable an individual to elect his or her choice of pursuing a specialist aquatic activity.
- To maintain a supportive environment for children's learning and to encourage positive reinforcement as part of the total health and well being program
- To recognise and understand each student's level of achievement
- To promote and enjoyment of the water environment
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- The pupil - teacher ratio will be determined by the State Co-ordinator
- Instruction must be given by fully qualified teachers who have adequate professional qualifications and personal competence in swimming, swimming instruction, first aid and resuscitation techniques
- Teachers and instructors must hold a minimum current RLSS-A Teacher Rescue Award. If teaching alone and no lifeguards, the teacher requires a RLSS-A Bronze Medallion or a SLS-A Surf Bronze Medallion. Each year these teachers and instructors must be re-skilled in current rescue and teaching techniques, through attendance at an annual Departmental swimming and water safety seminar
- Where a specialist Health and Well Being teacher cannot meet the requirements of the preceding paragraph they can, if they hold a current Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Certificate, undertake a restricted teaching role as determined by the State Co-ordinator
Swimming and Water Safety:
- Is responsible for ensuring the inclusion of the swimming and water safety program within the total health and well being program for all primary and district high schools
- Manage the program's budget
The Co-ordinator Swimming and Water Safety:
- Is responsible for the statewide delivery of the program
- Arranges and monitors the program in consultation with principals and service providers
- Management of the program budget
- Record-keeping of student outcomes
- Monitoring of the program in consultation with Principals and Service Providers
- Negotiation of contracts with private / local government swimming centres used in the program
- Provision of an annual briefing for Austswim Instructors
- Leadership and responsibility for in-service training/ re-qualification of health and well being teachers on an annual basis
- Arranges the employment for part-time teachers and instructors
- Co-ordinates the care, maintenance and security requirements of Departmental Swimming Centres
- Line management of ancillary staff at Department pools
- Arranges pool hire
- Arranges conveyance of students to venues
- Prepares invoice requests for school payments
- Effects the supply of materials and maintenance of equipment
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