Rhiannon Birch
Research Manager – Aquatic Risk and Research
Life Saving Victoria (LSV)
Swimming & Water Safety in
the Victorian Curriculum
The VWSC is not new
• Goal of the Victorian Curriculum by Year 6
• Describes the minimum benchmark for children leaving primary school
• How to use?
• Can be ordered at www.lsv.com.au/vwsc (no cost)
The VWSC
http://www.lsv.com.au/vwsc
Benefits of the VWSC
For schools For swim schools
• Standardised measures across the
industry
• Linkages to curriculum, accountability
• Ensures water safety content is delivered
• Deliver with other level achievement
awards
• Provides schools a single focus point/benchmark for swimming and water safety
• Keeping track of student achievement / assessment
• Swimming and water safety is included in the Victorian Curriculum across all year levels
• Signed by the Premier
• Presentation of the certificate / celebration
• Once certificates are issued, schools can be more confident in organising water activities/sports
What about those who don’t achieve the
VWSC...
1. Utilise survival swimming programs
2. Parent education
3. Classroom-based and dry activities
4. Other considerations
Who is NOT achieving the VWSC and why?
Novel ways to award the certificate
Activity days at the pool School assembly
Open water activities and camps Combine with other programs
Free supporting resources
lsv.com.au/toolkit
Next steps for those that don't award the
VWSC...
lsv.com.au/vwsc
Who? Where? Why?
Victorian Drowning Report (2017/18)
https://lsv.com.au/research/victorian-drowning-reports/
https://lsv.com.au/research/victorian-drowning-reports/
We need your help!