Free swim teacher training available for eligible teachers, parents, and carers to support Victorian schools

03 December 2025
Pools
Safety

The Department of Education’s Water Safety in Schools initiative is offering free Swim Teacher training to help Victorian government schools strengthen their swimming and water safety programs.

This initiative responds to the current statewide shortage of qualified swim teachers, which continues to challenge schools in delivering the required curriculum outcomes.

Who Can Access the Program?

Free training is available to school staff and parents/carers connected to a Victorian government school that meets at least one of the following criteria:

  • Location within a high-risk drowning area (including the Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, Greater Geelong, East Gippsland, Melbourne, Surf Coast, Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip, Wyndham and Bayside)
  • Classification as an English language or specialist school
  • Location in a rural or regional area
  • A Student Family Occupational and Education (SFOE) index of 0.3397 or higher

These eligibility settings ensure support reaches communities where swimming and water safety education is most needed.

What the Training Includes

Participants complete a structured training pathway designed to build capability and confidence in delivering quality swimming and water safety education:

  1. Online learning modules
  2. One-day face-to-face practical training
  3. Post-course handbook tasks and guided practical activities

Upon completing all components, participants receive:

  • The national Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety (SISSS00132) qualification
  • A Life Saving Victoria - Swim Teacher industry licence

Workplace Supervisor Support

Workplace Supervisors are required across the State to support new course participants to complete their post-course workbook and onboarding hours. To assist aquatic facilities to support and encourage these course participants, LSV will reimburse eligible aquatic facilities hosting endorsed LSV Workplace Supervisors to complete these activities in a safe and supportive environment. The reimbursement amount is $500 per participant, and payable on the successful completion of all activities. To learn how to become a Workplace Supervisor please visit our website HERE

How to Get Started

Those interested in enrolling can follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose a suitable LSV training date and location https://training.lsv.com.au/courses
  2. Following the standard enrolment process
  3. Enter the code ST-WSIS to access the funded training

LSV will contact all enrolled applicants using the discount code before the face-to-face session to confirm eligibility and gather additional program details, including current role, school alignment and (if known) partner pool facility or workplace supervisor.

Please do not use the discount code if you are not eligible. To check eligibility or for further information please contact:

LSV Public Training 03 9676 6950 or email training@lsv.com.au