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Over four remarkable days, more than 12,500 teachers and education staff across NSW, ACT and Tasmania completed critical professional development in CPR, First Aid, Basic Water Rescues and Anaphylaxis management— making this one of the largest coordinated safety training efforts delivered to the education sector in Australia. This was not business as usual. It was a clear demonstration of what’s possible when the education and safety sectors come together with a shared commitment to protecting children, teachers and communities. Led by Royal Life Saving NSW, this large-scale delivery required extraordinary planning, coordination and expertise. Hundreds of first aid trainers and support staff mobilised across multiple regions, working long hours to ensure every participant received high-quality, compliant and practical training — all within tight school and system timeframes. The impact is immediate and far-reaching. Each of the 12,500 trained educators now has the confidence and capability to: Respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies Perform CPR and first aid when seconds matter Manage anaphylaxis safely and decisively Understand basic water rescue principles that save lives Beyond the numbers, this effort reinforces a powerful truth: professional development saves lives. It strengthens school communities, supports student wellbeing, and ensures staff are prepared for the moments that matter most. This program reflects industry leadership at its best — evidence-based training, delivered at scale, with quality never compromised. It is a testament to the dedication of all trainers and system leaders who recognise that safety is not optional — it is foundational. We are proud to stand alongside the NSW Department of Education in delivering training that protects lives today and builds safer communities for the future. 3 Feb 2026 An Extraordinary Effort for Safety: 12,500 Teachers Trained in Just Four Days Training & Development < Back to News Over four remarkable days, more than 12,500 teachers and education staff across NSW, ACT and Tasmania completed critical professional development in CPR, First Aid, Basic Water Rescues and Anaphylaxis management — making this one of the largest coordinated safety training efforts delivered to the education sector in Australia. This was not business as usual. It was a clear demonstration of what’s possible when the education and safety sectors come together with a shared commitment to protecting children, teachers and communities. Led by Royal Life Saving NSW , this large-scale delivery required extraordinary planning, coordination and expertise. Hundreds of first aid trainers and support staff mobilised across multiple regions, working long hours to ensure every participant received high-quality, compliant and practical training — all within tight school and system timeframes. The impact is immediate and far-reaching. Each of the 12,500 trained educators now has the confidence and capability to: Respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies Perform CPR and first aid when seconds matter Manage anaphylaxis safely and decisively Understand basic water rescue principles that save lives Beyond the numbers, this effort reinforces a powerful truth: professional development saves lives . It strengthens school communities, supports student wellbeing, and ensures staff are prepared for the moments that matter most. This program reflects industry leadership at its best — evidence-based training, delivered at scale, with quality never compromised. It is a testament to the dedication of all trainers and system leaders who recognise that safety is not optional — it is foundational. We are proud to stand alongside the NSW Department of Education in delivering training that protects lives today and builds safer communities for the future. Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts 1,800 NSW Teachers Equipped with Lifesaving Skills Ahead of Summer News and Media Emerging Swim Teachers Dive into a Day of Learning at the 2026 Swimposium News and Media Record ClubGRANTS Support Helps Royal Life Saving NSW Reach More Communities News and Media

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SwimVac is a vital initiative providing swimming and water safety education across New South Wales. In 2025, the program spanned 49 venues, engaged 52 dedicated staff members, and welcomed 2,217 enrolments over two action-packed weeks. It continues to make a significant impact, equipping children with essential skills to stay safe in and around water. Among the dedicated teachers in the program, Sue and Marg have played a significant role in shaping the SwimVac experience in Jindera. Their journey began in 2021 when COVID-19 restrictions limited school-based swimming programs, leaving them without their usual teaching opportunities. Determined to continue making a difference, Marg suggested applying for a SwimVac position in Jindera, a rural town near her daughter’s home. Their enthusiasm was evident—they listed Jindera as their first, second, and third choice. To their delight, they were accepted. From the moment they arrived, Sue and Marg embraced their new roles, finding immense joy in sharing their aquatic expertise with the Jindera community. Parents were amazed by the rapid progress their children made and appreciated the dedication of two teachers who had travelled from Sydney to support their town. Many asked if they would return the following year, and with such a warm reception, the decision was easy. As word of their program spread, enrolments grew year after year. By 2023, the demand had become so great that Royal Life Saving NSW sent a film crew to Jindera to capture the essence of the program for a promotional video. Seeing their work recognised in this way reinforced their commitment to teaching swimming and water safety through SwimVac. This year, their program expanded once again, with both teachers working full-day shifts. Over time, they had the privilege of watching students grow from hesitant preschool beginners into confident, skilled swimmers. Seeing returning students thrive has been one of the most rewarding aspects of their teaching experience. Some of their most memorable moments include: Witnessing young children overcome their fear of water, taking their feet off the floor for the first time, submerging, and exploring movement in the water. Watching students initially terrified of deep water gain the confidence to jump in and return to safety on their own. One particular story stands out—a parent shared how her son, once uncertain in the water, had fallen in during a beach holiday. Thanks to the skills he had learned in SwimVac, he was able to stay calm and get himself to safety. It was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of their teaching. Rural communities deeply appreciate those who travel to support their children’s education, and over the years, Sue and Marg have become cherished members of the Jindera community. Teaching in SwimVac has become a highlight of their year, and they continue to look forward to making a difference, one lesson at a time. For those passionate about the water and eager to work with children, Sue and Marg highly recommend joining SwimVac. It is a unique opportunity to inspire confidence, instil essential life skills, and witness the joy of children achieving what once seemed impossible. The rewards go far beyond the smiles—they are the lifelong skills and confidence that every student carries forward from the program. Anyone interested in learning more about SwimVac and how to get involved please visit: https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/swimvac or email swimandsurvive@royalnsw.com.au 10 Feb 2025 Making Waves with SwimVac 2025 Swimming & Lifesaving < Back to News SwimVac is a vital initiative providing swimming and water safety education across New South Wales. In 2025, the program spanned 49 venues, engaged 52 dedicated staff members, and welcomed 2,217 enrolments over two action-packed weeks. It continues to make a significant impact, equipping children with essential skills to stay safe in and around water. Among the dedicated teachers in the program, Sue and Marg have played a significant role in shaping the SwimVac experience in Jindera. Their journey began in 2021 when COVID-19 restrictions limited school-based swimming programs, leaving them without their usual teaching opportunities. Determined to continue making a difference, Marg suggested applying for a SwimVac position in Jindera, a rural town near her daughter’s home. Their enthusiasm was evident—they listed Jindera as their first, second, and third choice. To their delight, they were accepted. From the moment they arrived, Sue and Marg embraced their new roles, finding immense joy in sharing their aquatic expertise with the Jindera community. Parents were amazed by the rapid progress their children made and appreciated the dedication of two teachers who had travelled from Sydney to support their town. Many asked if they would return the following year, and with such a warm reception, the decision was easy. As word of their program spread, enrolments grew year after year. By 2023, the demand had become so great that Royal Life Saving NSW sent a film crew to Jindera to capture the essence of the program for a promotional video. Seeing their work recognised in this way reinforced their commitment to teaching swimming and water safety through SwimVac. This year, their program expanded once again, with both teachers working full-day shifts. Over time, they had the privilege of watching students grow from hesitant preschool beginners into confident, skilled swimmers. Seeing returning students thrive has been one of the most rewarding aspects of their teaching experience. Some of their most memorable moments include: Witnessing young children overcome their fear of water, taking their feet off the floor for the first time, submerging, and exploring movement in the water. Watching students initially terrified of deep water gain the confidence to jump in and return to safety on their own. One particular story stands out—a parent shared how her son, once uncertain in the water, had fallen in during a beach holiday. Thanks to the skills he had learned in SwimVac, he was able to stay calm and get himself to safety. It was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of their teaching. Rural communities deeply appreciate those who travel to support their children’s education, and over the years, Sue and Marg have become cherished members of the Jindera community. Teaching in SwimVac has become a highlight of their year, and they continue to look forward to making a difference, one lesson at a time. For those passionate about the water and eager to work with children, Sue and Marg highly recommend joining SwimVac. It is a unique opportunity to inspire confidence, instil essential life skills, and witness the joy of children achieving what once seemed impossible. The rewards go far beyond the smiles—they are the lifelong skills and confidence that every student carries forward from the program. Anyone interested in learning more about SwimVac and how to get involved please visit: https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/swimvac or email swimandsurvive@royalnsw.com.au Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts 1,800 NSW Teachers Equipped with Lifesaving Skills Ahead of Summer News and Media Emerging Swim Teachers Dive into a Day of Learning at the 2026 Swimposium News and Media Record ClubGRANTS Support Helps Royal Life Saving NSW Reach More Communities News and Media

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For 81-year-old Anita Cohen, stepping into the pool at Lithgow’s JM Robson Aquatic Centre wasn’t just about learning to swim - it was about rewriting a lifelong story of fear, resilience, and independence. Anita never learned to swim as a child due to a difficult upbringing and lack of support. A non-fatal drowning incident at age five left her with a lingering fear of water that stayed with her well into adulthood. Despite regularly visiting the pool in recent years, she has always relied on swimming noodles for buoyancy and mobility. Living alone now, Anita realised how important it was to look after her own safety and wellbeing: “I live on my own and I thought—I’ve got to look after myself, because no one else is around to do it.” Anita (right) during her lesson. Why the Program Matters The Royal Life Saving NSW Adult Learn to Swim Program offered Anita a chance she never thought she’d have - the opportunity to swim independently, without aids, and with proper technique. Delivered over 10 weeks and tailored for adults, the program breaks down barriers that have kept many older Australians from learning to swim, whether due to fear, access, or life circumstances. Anita’s first lesson was a triumph: floating unassisted for the very first time, something she described as “so exciting.” She hopes that learning proper swimming skills will not only improve her water safety but also support her lung function and chronic pain management. Guided by her late mother’s words - “You’ve got tunnel vision—you can do anything you put your mind to” - Anita is proving that it’s never too late to overcome fears, gain confidence, and embrace new possibilities in the water and beyond. Anita floating unassisted for the first time. Find out more about Project Elevate and how you can get involved here: https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/projectelevate 2 Sept 2025 The People of Project Elevate: Anita's Story Drowning Prevention < Back to News For 81-year-old Anita Cohen, stepping into the pool at Lithgow’s JM Robson Aquatic Centre wasn’t just about learning to swim - it was about rewriting a lifelong story of fear, resilience, and independence. Anita never learned to swim as a child due to a difficult upbringing and lack of support. A non-fatal drowning incident at age five left her with a lingering fear of water that stayed with her well into adulthood. Despite regularly visiting the pool in recent years, she has always relied on swimming noodles for buoyancy and mobility. Living alone now, Anita realised how important it was to look after her own safety and wellbeing: “I live on my own and I thought—I’ve got to look after myself, because no one else is around to do it.” Anita (right) during her lesson. Why the Program Matters The Royal Life Saving NSW Adult Learn to Swim Program offered Anita a chance she never thought she’d have - the opportunity to swim independently, without aids, and with proper technique. Delivered over 10 weeks and tailored for adults, the program breaks down barriers that have kept many older Australians from learning to swim, whether due to fear, access, or life circumstances. Anita’s first lesson was a triumph: floating unassisted for the very first time, something she described as “so exciting.” She hopes that learning proper swimming skills will not only improve her water safety but also support her lung function and chronic pain management. Guided by her late mother’s words - “You’ve got tunnel vision—you can do anything you put your mind to” - Anita is proving that it’s never too late to overcome fears, gain confidence, and embrace new possibilities in the water and beyond. Anita floating unassisted for the first time. Find out more about Project Elevate and how you can get involved here: https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/projectelevate Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts 1,800 NSW Teachers Equipped with Lifesaving Skills Ahead of Summer News and Media Emerging Swim Teachers Dive into a Day of Learning at the 2026 Swimposium News and Media Record ClubGRANTS Support Helps Royal Life Saving NSW Reach More Communities News and Media

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