Aquatic education across the country is rapidly evolving, and Belgravia Leisure is helping lead that change – most recently in the nation’s capital.  

More than 80 ACT based GOswim swimming and water safety program teachers and managers came together in January for two days of professional development, including an ACT Aquatics workshop and a Royal Life Saving-led session, focused on strengthening skills, safety and sector collaboration. 

Raising the bar on aquatic skill development and engagement 

Led by Cheryl McLennan, Aquatics Product Development Manager and Sarah Podesta, National Product Growth Manager for Aquatics, the ACT Aquatics workshop explored the latest enhancements across the GOswim program, explored updated diving progressions, FRAME (Fun, Relationship, Assess and Progress, Movement and Engagement) performance techniques and new ways to create engaging, confidence‑building learning environments. 

“Sessions like these are a big step forward for the development of our aquatic teams. They help us uncover exciting aquatic opportunities right within our own venues,” said Bernice Hay, ACT Area Manager.  

“The workshops helped over 80 Aquatic Managers, Assistant Managers and Venue Managers dive into new ways to infuse every aquatic session with fun and learning with confidence, maintaining safe, community-first service that guests remember,” Bernice continued. 

Staying ahead of a rapidly changing aquatic sector in the ACT 

ACT leaders met with the Royal Life Saving NSW/ACT/TAS team at Stromlo Leisure Centre, coming together for an industry‑wide conversation about water safety. 

“It was a solid opportunity to share ideas, challenge how we do things and make sure we’re all staying ahead when it comes to safety and service,” said Samer Kamal, Venue Manager at Stromlo Leisure Centre. “We looked at how we can sharpen our lifeguard in‑service training and build stronger connections across the ACT region.” 

Samer highlighted the importance of deepening relationships with external providers to ensure venues remain aligned with best practice. 

“This kind of collaboration helps our teams understand Royal Life Saving processes and qualification requirements,” he said. “We’re grateful to Lucas Hayden for his invaluable insights during the session.” 

A united sector, moving forward together 

Across both sessions, a common theme emerged: collective growth. Aquatic education is advancing quickly and Belgravia Leisure’s aquatic leaders in the ACT are moving proactively by sharing expertise, strengthening long-stranding partnerships and ensuring that community safety and skill development remain at the forefront. 

Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to prioritising the local needs of communities through its services and programs was evident in every energetic conversation and every moment of connection. 

That energy is translating into action: supporting team members, elevating learning experiences and ensuring Belgravia Leisure venues continue to deliver safe, inclusive and industry‑leading aquatic education to communities across the ACT. 

Belgravia Leisure is a world-class aquatics provider, managing more than 160 swimming pools on behalf of our clients across Australia and New Zealand. To learn more, click here.

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