AUSTSWIM at SwimCon 2025

Last week, AUSTSWIM leaders, trainers, teachers and our ambassador Brooke Hanson proudly represented the organisation at SwimCon in Adelaide, bringing our voices to national conversations on drowning prevention, workforce sustainability and the future of aquatic education.

Our delegation included senior leaders Julia Wood, Samantha Tantum, and General Manager Georgie Nichol, inspiring rural trainer Alina Graham, and our ambassador Brooke Hanson, alongside several dedicated AUSTSWIM trainers and teachers. Also in attendance was AUSTSWIM Life Member, Kirk Marks. Each delivered powerful insights, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities our industry faces.

• Brooke Hanson delivered an inspiring keynote that reminded delegates of the purpose behind our profession: empowering communities with life-saving skills and the joy of aquatic participation. She reminded us to focus on our own wellbeing in order to be the best first versions of ourselves and to support one another working in this impact driven industry.  
• Julia Wood presented on safeguarding and Aqua Exercise as part of the solution to adult drowning prevention, highlighting how low-impact programs can engage adults in building confidence, health and water safety skills.
• Samantha Tantum brought energy and honesty to sessions on workplace culture, economic challenges, and safeguarding, reminding the sector that:
  • “We all need to partner together for drowning prevention.”
  • “Swimming is not just a sport, it’s a skill for life.”
  • “If you invest in your staff, they will stay.”
• Kirk Marks brought his aquatic experience to the economic challenges industry panel, highlighting the importance of staying relevant and being focussed on serving your current communities needs.
• Alina Graham, one of our most passionate and experienced remote trainers, shared her story of keeping three pools alive as community hubs in regional Australia. Despite floods, dust storms, and heatwaves, she’s trained 12 lifeguards from a population of just 30 people! In her words:
  • “Why do I do what I do? Because I get to save people’s lives and grow people.” 

The resounding theme across presentations was the power of collaboration — within our teams, across our communities, and throughout the aquatic and leisure industry.

At AUSTSWIM, we know that quality swim teachers save lives. Events like SwimCon remind us that no organisation can do it alone. By partnering, sharing knowledge, and continually investing in our workforce, we can meet the challenges ahead and strengthen drowning prevention efforts across Australia.

A huge congratulations to the team at Swim Australia, especially CEO Brendon Ward, Executive Officer Gary Toner and National Education Manager Rhiannon Kocmar who worked tirelessly to drive collaboration, provided a platform for the diverse and valued voices in the network and ensured the event was representative of the industry as a whole.