SWIMMING POLICY

Swimming is an integral and essential part of the physical education program. Becoming a confident and competent swimmer is essential to student safety, as well as increasing opportunities for both leisure and sporting pursuits.

To develop confident and competent swimmers who display the skills, knowledge and confidence required to enjoy swimming and other aquatic activities in safety.

Implementation

• The school's annual swimming program will be organised and coordinated by the Physical Education teacher and will comply with DE&T requirements at all times.
• Minimum overall DE&T staff-student ratios will be followed at all times.
  • That is: - · Beginners: (shallow water - little or no experience) 1 staff to maximum 10 students.
  • Intermediate: (basic skills and able to swim 25 metres with a recognisable stroke) 1 staff to maximum 12 students
  • Advanced: (able to swim 50 metres using 2 recognisable strokes and demonstrate 1 survival stroke in deep water) 1 staff to maximum 15 students.
• The swimming program will follow Levels 1-7 of the RLSSA Aquapass program, with student progress, achievement levels, reports and certificates being coordinated by the Physical Education teacher.
• The program will consist of two 45 minute lessons per week for grades 3-6 and two 30 minute lessons for grades P-2
• An emergency drill will be explained and practiced at the start of the program, and throughout the program. All staff will be allocated an emergency whistle, and will be dressed appropriately.
• Parents must provide a completed and signed swimming permission form for their child to participate in the program, and staff associated with the swimming program are to be made familiar with medical histories of students in respect to epilepsy, diabetes, asthma and heart conditions, and appropriate measures taken. (see SOTF Reference Guide 4.4.4.7 - Swimming: medical warnings). Students with ear infections, throat infections, colds, papillomas and other contagious infections will not be permitted to enter the water until they have recovered.
• Costs associated with swimming programs must be paid by parents prior to the commencement of the program. Parents experiencing financial difficulty should contact the Principal.
• Children not attending the program will be allocated to classes remaining at school.