Building Safer, more inclusive aquatic pathways in India

AUSTSWIM Extension Courses Delivered in Bengaluru

In November 2025, marked a significant milestone for inclusive aquatic education in India, with our Indian Provider Swimming Matters, in partnership with AUSTSWIM and supported by the Australian Consulate-General, delivered a powerful series of internationally recognised swim teacher training courses in Bengaluru (Southern India).

Under the banner Swimming for All: Making Teaching of Swimming and Water Safety Inclusive, these AUSTSWIM Courses focused on two critical yet historically underserved areas of aquatic education: infants and preschool learners, and people with disability and diverse learning needs.

Strengthening Capability Through Education

Across eight days of delivery, three courses were successfully completed, upskilling 52 Indian swim teachers with specialist knowledge and practical skill

• Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics (INF)
  10–11 November 2025
  18–19 November 2025

• Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion (TAI)
  12 & 14 November 2025

Led by experienced AUSTSWIM Trainer, Katrina Scarpin, the courses equipped participants with evidence-based approaches to teaching water safety, confidence, and foundational skills to learners under four years of age, as well as to people with disability, neurodivergent learners, and those with diverse cultural backgrounds.

For many attendees, these courses represented the first time they had received formal, internationally accredited training that addressed inclusion in such depth.

“I would call these courses groundbreaking,” said Munazza Habibulla, CEO of Swimming Matters. “Traditionally, swim programs have not addressed the unique needs of children below four years or learners with different learning needs and neurodivergent needs, leaving many unable to access foundational water safety skills that can save lives and build lifelong confidence.”

With approximately 1 in 20 people in India living with some form of disability, the impact of inclusive aquatic education extends well beyond the pool. Swimming supports physical development, confidence, emotional regulation, and social connection, while also delivering life-saving water safety skills.

Collaboration Beyond the Classroom

Midway through the course delivery, aquatic education took centre stage beyond the pool deck, with a panel discussion hosted on 13 November by the Australian Consulate-General in Bengaluru.

The panel, hosted by Consul-General Hilary McGeachy, brought together aquatic and sport stakeholders to discuss drowning prevention, inclusion, and India’s growing ambition within the global swimming landscape.

“With the Consular-General of Australia hosting a panel of discussion around saving Indian lives and the desire to insert Indian swimming into real contention on the international stage, it was a wonderful evening with aquatic stakeholders collaborating on strategies.” said AUSTSWIM Trainer Katrina Scarpin.

The discussion highlighted how grassroots education, teacher capability, and inclusion form the foundation for both community safety and elite performance pathways.

A Shared Commitment to Community Impact

This initiative was made possible through funding from the Direct Aid Program of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, via the Australian Consulate-General in Bengaluru, reflecting a shared commitment to community wellbeing and people-to-people connections.

“As Australians, swimming is more than just a sport – it is a life skill and a shared part of our culture. We are delighted to partner with Swimming Matters and AUSTSWIM through our grant to empower vulnerable and overlooked groups like infants and people with disabilities to gain access to safe, inclusive aquatic education.” said a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"This partnership reinforces AUSTSWIM's long-standing leadership in water safety education and our belief that quality swimming teachers save lives, while supporting innovation, education, and collaboration within India’s growing aquatic sector." said Brad Maunsell, AUSTSWIM CEO.

Looking Ahead

With more than 58 courses delivered across India and 650+ swim teachers trained to date, Swimming Matters and AUSTSWIM continue to build momentum toward a future where swimming and water safety are accessible to all.

These November 2025 courses not only expanded technical capability but also strengthened a shared vision: safer communities, inclusive aquatic spaces, and a generation of teachers empowered to support every learner, in and around the water.

As the ripples from this month of training spread, the impact will be felt far beyond Bengaluru, shaping the future of aquatic education across India.