This unit applies to those working in a paid or voluntary capacity in the aquatics industry, such as those conducting learn-to-swim and water safety classes in swimming pools and confined natural shallow water venues.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Analyse the philosophy of participation in aquatic activities.

1.1. Identify the significance of swimming and water safety as a life skill in Australian culture.

1.2. Identify the range of aquatic activities supported by peak aquatic organisations.

1.3. Identify the range of participants accessing organised aquatic activities.

1.4. Identify the major roles and structures of peak aquatic organisations in Australia.

1.5. Analyse the impact of peak aquatic organisations on swimming and water safety as a life skill in Australian culture.

2. Identify employment opportunities.

2.1. Identify employment opportunities and employment roles within the aquatic industry.

2.2. Research employment roles to identify their functions and features.

2.3. Identify career pathways within the Australian aquatic industry.

2.4. Analyse available options in relation to own career aspirations.

3. Develop a career plan.

3.1. Identify any additional training needs required to achieve preferred career aspiration.

3.2. Source and assess training options according to own needs and circumstances.

3.3. Develop a career plan according to employment options, own career aspirations and available training options.

Required skills

self-management skills to identify own career aspirations and any further training and skills development required

technological skills to source, collect and record electronically based information

problem-solving skills to:

identify personal training needs and assess training options

make informed career decisions.

Required knowledge

peak aquatic organisations in Australia to enable the identification of available career paths

personal computer usage to access and record information

own strengths, weaknesses and preferences to enable the identification of personal training needs.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

identifies major aquatic activities and the nature of participants engaging in aquatic activities to develop an understanding of the role of aquatic activities in Australian culture

accesses and interprets information on the roles, responsibilities and aims of peak aquatic organisations to determine employment and career options

analyses employment options, own career aspirations and training needs and options to develop a personal career plan.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

development and documentation of a personal aquatics career plan that includes additional training options

access to sources of information on the industry.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

electronic or hard copy portfolio of relevant information on peak aquatic organisations

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the roles and impact of peak aquatic organisations.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Significance of swimming and water safety may include:

physical fitness

cultural importance.

Aquatic activities may include:

water familiarisation

swimming, water safety and survival classes

lifesaving classes

aquatics classes for people with a disability

infant, toddler and parent aquatic classes

aquatic games

water exercise classes

group and individual programs

surf lifesaving.

Peak aquatic organisations in Australia may include:

AUSTSWIM

The Royal Life Saving Society Australia

Surf Life Saving Australia

Swimming Australia.

Participants may include:

infants 6 - 24 months

toddlers 25 - 42 months

pre-schoolers 43 - 60 months

children

adults

older adults

people with a disability.

Major roles may include:

promotion and development of swimming

fostering the growth of swimming as a sport

leading water safety education

community development.

Impact may include:

influence on national water safety policy

funding of community initiatives

promotion of water safety.

Employment opportunities may include:

full time

part time

casual

volunteer

seasonal.

Employment roles may include:

swimming instructor

pool lifeguard

swim school coordinator

duty manager.

Functions may include:

instructing swimming, water familiarisation, water safety and survival skills

supervising clients

responding to emergencies

operating pools

managing aquatic facilities.

Features may include:

multi-skilled

outdoor working environment

flexible.

Training needs may include:

technical skill development

interpersonal skill development

opportunities to practise existing skills.

Training options may include:

accredited training and assessment

AUSTSWIM accreditation

mentoring

supervised practice

in-house professional development

conference attendance

observation of peers.

Unit sector

Community Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.