The Swim and Survive Partner of the Year Award celebrates swim schools that have made exceptional contributions to increasing swimming and water safety skills among Australian children. La Trobe Swim School’s dedication to innovation, excellence in program delivery and strong community outreach earned it a place among the top contenders.
La Trobe Sport’s Aquatic & Community Programs Officer and coordinator of La Trobe Swim School, Gemma Silver, said being named as a finalist of the award was a tremendous honour for the program.
“Our journey over the past few years has been one of growth, innovation and a deep commitment to water safety education,” Silver said.
“Our partnership with Life Saving Victoria and our implementation of the Swim and Survive program have been pivotal to our success, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work of our entire team – from our dedicated Swim Teachers to our La Trobe Sport Customer Experience Representatives and Duty Managers.”
Since resuming lessons in January 2022 after extensive COVID-19 interruptions, La Trobe Swim School has experienced significant growth, with membership numbers surpassing 400 students (including 75 adult learners). Based at the Indoor Sports Centre at La Trobe University’s Bundoora Campus, La Trobe Swim School offers a wide range of classes from infant lessons to advanced stroke development, all aligned with the Swim and Survive curriculum.
Led by Silver, the La Trobe Swim School’s commitment to inclusivity and community impact has been a driving force behind its success. The school’s programs, designed to engage adults and children from multicultural and non-swimming backgrounds, have made a tangible difference in the lives of participants by providing essential water safety skills and fostering confidence in the water.
“As a swim school based at a university, we are particularly passionate about reaching the local community we serve and delivering programs which focus on engaging adults and children from multi-cultural and non-swimming backgrounds,” Silver added.
“We are extremely passionate about fostering our team's growth and development. By successfully securing funding from the Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program for the second consecutive year, we have created opportunities for our team to enhance their skills through additional courses, including teaching infants and toddlers, as well as instructing people with disabilities.
“These programs teach essential water safety and basic survival skills, helping participants build confidence and abilities for lifelong, safe enjoyment in and around water.”
Additionally, the La Trobe Swim School has consistently maintained the highest standards in aquatic safety and risk management, earning the Platinum Pool Award for two consecutive years. Strong partnerships have also been developed with La Trobe University’s international department and Life Saving Victoria, which has led to a collaborative initiative to conduct swimming lessons for new international students in Australia that culminates in a beach safety program.
Funded by Medibank, this program takes 30 international students to Cosy Corner in Torquay, where they can put their skills into practice and increase their confidence and familiarity around Australian waterways.
Being named a finalist in the Swim and Survive Partner of the Year Award is a significant accomplishment that reflects the La Trobe Swim School’s ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding swimming and water safety education.
Registrations for La Trobe Swim School’s Term 4 programs are now open. To register for our Term 4 programs to ensure you are ready for a big summer by the water, or to simply learn more about La Trobe Swim School, visit the La Trobe Sport website.
