Belgravia Leisure believes learning to swim is about building confidence and a lifelong, safe relationship with water. Through a strong partnership with Swimming Australia, the GOswim Swimming and Water Safety Program delivers high‑quality education that helps people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds build the skills they need for life.

ABC News sparked discussion when they reported on the ‘best age’ to start swimming lessons was at about four years of age, with “kids often stopping swimming lessons too soon’’. Children aged zero to four are among the highest‑risk groups for drowning incidents, according to a 10-year study from Royal Life Saving Australia.

With these findings in mind, parent education is critical. While basic water locomotive skill develops at about four years of age, the program focuses on reducing fear and anxiety around water through familiarisation as early as infancy, which builds safe behaviours and supports families to continue lessons as children grow and solidify their skills through to adolescence, when they need it most.

GOswim reflects national best practice and the highest standards in swim teaching and water safety, grounded in proven methodologies. The program is delivered by qualified professionals who understand how to support swimmers at every level.

Pictured in header: Karen-Anne Lyon, GOswim teacher at Gympie Aquatic and Recreation Centre

GOswim teachers are responsible for inclusive water safety education

“National qualifications are the backbone of GOswim,” says Cheryl McLennan, National Product Development Manager for Aquatics at Belgravia Leisure. “When you are teaching a life skill, quality and safety are essential.”

Every GOswim teacher meets Australia’s national standards before entering the pool. This includes Working with Children Checks, current CPR and First Aid and the recognised Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety qualifications through Belgravia Academy. 

“These requirements are safeguards,” Cheryl says. “Families need assurance that teachers understand child safety, water risk and developmentally appropriate learning – particularly for infants and toddlers.” 

Karen-Anne Lyon, a GOswim teacher at Gympie Aquatic and Recreation Centre, focuses on building trust by starting with basics and simple skills (entries and exits, floating, breath control) while using positive reinforcement. 

“Creating play-based activities to suit each child’s level helps them progress slowly from there,” she said. 

“We educate parents on the importance of starting children off from a young age to reduce their fear and get comfortable with water.” 

What GOswim infant and early years programs are designed to achieve 

GOswim infant and parent programs support early engagement with water in a safe, structured way by building familiarity and confidence in aquatic environments, reducing fear and anxiety for both children and parents. Educating parents and carers on safe water practices, continuity and ongoing participation encourages their involvement and reduces drowning incidents. 

How GOswim teachers support swimmers across all ages and abilities 

“Once qualified, GOswim teachers complete a structured onboarding process that combines online learning with in‑pool mentoring,” Cheryl continued. “Teachers observe experienced team members, practise teaching in live lessons and receive feedback before teaching independently.” 

They are then trained to support a wide range of swimmers: infants, school‑aged children, adults returning to the water and those with diverse needs.

One parent, Tamara Paterson, shared what this means for their child, Indigo.  

“What gives me confidence is having a qualified and confident teacher like Karen-Anne who provides a safe and fun environment for Indigo. We’re always informed of their progress and it’s a joy to watch them engaged and learning.”

“My favourite part of the day is hearing how swim lessons went on the way home in the car,” she added.

Teaching is guided by the F.R.A.M.E methodology: Fun, Relationships, Assess & Progress, Movement and Engagement, ensuring lessons are engaging, inclusive and responsive.

“Effective teaching means meeting swimmers where they are,” Cheryl explains. “Teachers adjust activities, language and pacing so swimmers feel safe to try, progress and build confidence.”

Continuous professional development and industry leadership

Professional development for GOswim teachers continues beyond initial qualification. Teachers regularly update CPR and First Aid, attend in‑service training and access education through the Worldwide Swim School, led by Australian Swimming Coach Laurie Lawrence OAM.

“This ongoing learning is part of our water confidence,” Cheryl says. “It keeps lessons safe, current and aligned with modern teaching practice.”

Belgravia Leisure, a trusted leader in aquatic education, continues to invest in workforce development, evidence‑based program design and partnerships that support drowning prevention and community wellbeing across Australia and New Zealand.

Learn more about becoming a GOswim teacher at Belgravia Leisure here.

Discover GOswim Australia here and the GOswim Swimming and Water Safety Program here.

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