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School offers cash incentives as fears of swim instructor shortage looms post lockdown

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A leading Hunter swim school is offering free training and cash incentives in a bid to secure instructors ahead of what threatens to be a summer shortage.

After lockdowns forced the closure of 13 of its 40 sites across NSW and Victoria, BlueFin Swimming has introduced a package it hopes will combat a crisis next season.

The group that manage Newcastle pools in Lambton, Stockton, Wallsend and Mayfield, say their industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic.

“We know that the demand for swimming classes increases by approximately 30% after each lockdown,” BlueFit CEO Todd McHardy said.

“We estimate our learn-to-swim waitlist will spike to 4,000 kids by summer.

“Covid-19 has significantly impacted the sport and recreation industry, being one of the first to close in a lockdown, and last to re-open.  

“This causes employment instability and many talented workers have already left the industry due to uncertainty surrounding lockdowns.  

“Traditionally the industry draws casual young employees, who are also studying which means they may not qualify for government assistance.”

BlueFit Swimming already has more than 3,000 children on its nationwide learn-to-swim waitlist.

It is looking to recruit 150 new swim instructors before the start of the 2021/22 swim season.

“And, if teaching our most precious commodities a life skill that could save their life wasn’t enough of an incentive to register [we’re] offering all swim teachers a $200 bonus when they teach a Learn-to-Swim class this October,” Mr McHardy said.

The first 100 people to register will be eligible for free training through Southern Education, acquiring a nationally-recognised qualification in swimming and water safety.  

Training can start immediately as the course is a blended model consisting of online education, followed by face-to-face assessment and practical components.  

The course offers participants a Swimming and Water Safety Teacher Skill Set qualification. 

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