The Swim Teacher Development Guidelines are a industry statement of what constitutes quality for a swimming and water safety teacher. They define the work of swimming and water safety teachers and describe the elements of high-quality, effective teaching in 21st century swim schools that will improve educational outcomes for students. The Guidelines do this by providing a framework which makes clear the knowledge, practice and engagement required across a swimming and water safety teachers’ career.

They present a common understanding and language for discourse between swimming and water safety teachers, swim schools, swimming and water safety organsiations and the public.

The Swimming and Water Safety Teacher Development Guidelines also inform the development of professional learning goals, provide a framework by which Swimming and Water Safety Teachers can judge the success of their learning and assist self-reflection and self-assessment.

Swimming and Water Safety Teachers can use the Guidelines to recognise their current and developing capabilities, professional aspirations and achievements.

The Guidelines contribute to the professionalism of swimming and water safety teaching and raise the status of the industry. They may also be used as the basis for a professional accountability model, helping to ensure that Swimming and Water Safety Teachers can demonstrate appropriate levels of professional knowledge, practice, and engagement.

The Guidelines are organised into four career stages and guide the preparation, support and development of teachers. The stages reflect the continuum of a teacher’s developing professional expertise from preparation through to being an exemplary classroom practitioner and a leader in the profession.

The Competent Guidelines will underpin the accreditation of initial teacher education programs while the Capable, Talented and Lead Guidelines will inform involuntary professional development for a Swimming and Water Safety Teacher.