· Our Swimming Program
Swimming is an integral and essential part of the physical education program. Becoming a confident and competent swimmer is essential to student safety, as well as increasing opportunities for both leisure and sporting pursuits.
Aims:
· For students to develop an awareness of their swimming abilities and capabilities.
· For students to be educated in key water safety messages.
· For students to develop swimming and lifesaving skills in a water safety program.
· To promote the health benefits associated with swimming
· The school’s annual swimming program will be organised and coordinated by the Physical Education teacher or designated Swimming Co-ordinator. Swimming will only involve the use of municipal and commercial swimming pools, and will comply with DEET requirements at all times.
· A minimum of 2 staff members will be in attendance at all times, one being a qualified teacher employed by either the school council or DEET who has overall responsibility for the program. At least one staff member involved in instruction must hold an AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety certificate. At least one staff member will have current CPR qualifications.
· Minimum overall DEET staff-student ratios will be followed at all times. That is:-
· Beginners: (shallow water – little or no experience) 1 staff to maximum 6 students.
· Intermediate: (basic skills and able to swim 25 metres with a recognisable stroke)
1 staff to maximum 8 students
· Advanced: (able to swim 50 metres using 2 recognisable strokes and demonstrate 1 survival stroke in deep water) 1 staff to maximum 10 students.
· All teaching staff involved in swimming programs will be encouraged to be AUSTSWIM qualified. School council will employ additional AUSTSWIM qualified instructors where available to assist with the program.
· The swimming program will follow Levels 1-7 of the RLSSA Aquapass program, with student progress, achievement levels, reports and certificates being coordinated by the Swimming Co-ordinator.
· All children must wear a t-shirt while swimming. Sunscreen must be available.
· The program will consist of 30-45 minute lessons each day for 2 weeks (weather permitting)and a third week for testing and swim sports.
· An emergency drill will be explained and practised at the start of the program, and throughout the program. All staff will be allocated an emergency whistle, and will be dressed appropriately.
· Parents must provide a completed and signed swimming permission form for their child to participate in the program, and staff associated with the swimming program are to be made familiar with medical histories of students in respect to epilepsy, diabetes, asthma and heart conditions, and appropriate measures taken. Students with ear infections, throat infections, colds, papillomas and other contagious infections will not be permitted to enter the water until they have recovered.
· Costs associated with swimming programs must be paid by parents prior to the commencement of the program. Parents experiencing financial difficulty should contact the Principal.
