Aquatic Safety Training for Schools in NSW: Stay Compliant & Confident Around Water
- Brent Lethbridge

- 4 days ago
- 2 min read

When it comes to supervising students around water, there is no room for guesswork.
As a professional lifeguard and first responder, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly a fun aquatic activity can turn into a life-threatening emergency. The difference between a near miss and a tragedy often comes down to training, preparation, and confidence.
That’s exactly why we’ve introduced our new:
Course Set – Aquatic Safety and Rescue for Education Settings
HLTAID009, SISCAQU020 & SISCAQU029
This nationally recognised training is specifically designed for teachers, school staff, and education support personnel who supervise students in and around water.
Why This Training Matters for NSW Schools
Schools across NSW are required to follow the Department of Education’s guidelines for aquatic activities, including the NSW Department of Education resource:
These guidelines outline critical requirements for:
Supervision ratios
Risk assessments
Staff competency
Emergency response readiness
The reality? Many schools are not fully prepared when it comes to practical rescue skills and real-world emergency scenarios.
Designed for Real School Environments
This isn’t just theory.
Our aquatic safety course is built from real-world lifeguard experience, focusing on what actually happens during:
School swimming carnivals
Beach excursions
River or lake activities
Outdoor education programs
You’ll learn how to:
Identify and manage aquatic risks
Perform safe rescues without putting yourself in danger
Respond to emergencies including drowning and spinal injuries
Apply CPR in aquatic environments
Use rescue equipment effectively
Nationally Recognised Units Included
This course set combines three essential units:
HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Learn life-saving CPR skills aligned to current Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines.
SISCAQU020 – Perform Water Rescues
Gain hands-on rescue techniques used by lifeguards and aquatic professionals.
SISCAQU029 – Perform Open Water Rescues
Develop the skills needed for rivers and open water environments—where most school excursions take place.
Built for Teacher Compliance & Confidence
If you’re a:
Teacher
School principal
Sports coordinator
Outdoor education leader
This training directly supports your duty of care and helps align your school with NSW safety expectations.
More importantly, it gives you the confidence to act when it matters most.
Because reading a policy is one thing…Executing a rescue under pressure is another.
Why Schools Across the Mid North Coast Are Choosing SALT Training Academy
At SALT Training Academy, we don’t just deliver courses—we bring real emergency services experience into every session.
✔ Delivered by experienced lifeguards and first responders
✔ Hands-on, practical training (not just classroom-based)
✔ Tailored for schools and education settings
✔ Available on-site or at our training locations
✔ Trusted by organisations across the Mid North Coast
We understand the environments you work in—and we train you for them.
Protect Your Students. Protect Your Staff. Stay Compliant.
Aquatic activities are an important part of education—but they come with real risks.
Proper training ensures:
Safer outcomes for students
Confident and capable staff
Compliance with NSW guidelines
Reduced liability for schools
Book Your Aquatic Safety Training Today
If your school is planning:
Swimming programs
Water-based excursions
Beach or river activities
Now is the time to ensure your team is properly trained.
👉 Contact SALT Training Academy today to book your Aquatic Safety and Rescue for Education Settings course



