Uncovering the Power of Swimming Teachers
At GOswim Australia, every lesson starts with one thing: trust. We sat down with Cheryl Mclennan, a representative from the program development team behind the GOswim curriculum, to explore why qualified swim teachers are crucial to your child’s swimming success.
“National qualifications are the backbone of our GOswim program,” Cheryl says. “It’s the guarantee that every teacher has the skills, knowledge, and responsibility to keep swimmers safe and help them learn properly. When you’re teaching a life skill, quality isn’t optional.”
Before teaching a single lesson, every GOswim teacher must meet Australia’s national standards including working with children checks, current CPR and First Aid, and the recognised Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety qualification.
“These aren’t just checks on a list. They’re safeguards. Families deserve to know that the person teaching their child has been trained to handle emergencies, understands child safety, and teaches in a developmentally appropriate way.”
Once qualified, teachers begin their GOswim learning journey, blending online training with hands‑on mentoring in the pool. The focus is on real‑world practice, observing experienced teachers, practicing skills, and receiving feedback that builds confidence as much as capability.
“By the time GOswim teachers teach independently, they’re not just certified,” Cheryl explains. “They’re genuinely prepared.”
What makes a GOswim teacher exceptional isn’t just what they know; it’s how they use this knowledge. Teachers learn how to adapt lessons for infants experiencing water for the first time, school‑aged children mastering stroke technique, adults returning to swimming, and swimmers with diverse needs.
According to Cheryl, “Effective teaching is about meeting swimmers where they are. Our teachers learn how to adjust their language, modify activities, and read the emotional cues that tell us when a swimmer is ready, or when they need reassurance.”
This personalised approach creates GOswim lessons that feel safe, engaging, and encouraging; no matter the swimmer’s age or ability.
GOswim teachers learn more than technique; they create lessons that feel positive, energised, and tailored to individual progress. Each creates an environment where swimmers feel safe to try, fail, and try again.
“Progress doesn’t come from drilling skills,” Cheryl says. “It comes from connection, good communication, and understanding how people learn in water. This includes the F.R.A.M.E teaching methodology – Fun, Relationships, Assess & Progress, Movement and Engagement.”
Professional development for GOswim teachers is continuous. Teachers stay current with CPR and First Aid, attend regular in‑service workshops, and access training through the Worldwide Swim School, led by Australian Swimming Coach, Lawrie Lawrence OAM.
Cheryl describes this as a culture rather than a requirement: “We don’t want our teachers to just stay qualified, but to keep growing. And this ongoing learning keeps lessons fresh, safe, and aligned with modern teaching practices.”
For parents choosing swim lessons, Cheryl’s message is simple: “Anyone can stand in the water. Not everyone can teach survival.”
Nationally qualified swimming teachers ensure swimming lessons are safe, structured, and based on real developmental knowledge. They help children learn correct techniques, gain confidence, and build skills that could one day save their lives.
“Families deserve teachers who are trained, supported, and absolutely committed to safety,” Cheryl says. “That’s what GOswim provides, every single lesson.”
