So, you’ve signed up for a certified water safety course and are ready to take the plunge into a new and meaningful qualification. Whether you’re becoming a swim teacher to change careers, earn extra income, or help kids build life-saving skills, preparation starts before you even hit the pool.
One of the most common questions new participants ask is: what do I need to bring to the course? While course providers give some basic information, a bit of insider know-how can make your first day smoother and more enjoyable.
This guide covers everything you should pack—both expected and overlooked items—and gives you a clearer picture of what to expect during the course.
Why You Should Come Prepared
A certified water safety course includes both classroom and practical components. You’ll spend time learning theory, discussing teaching techniques, and completing written work. You’ll also spend plenty of time in the water, putting those lessons into action.
Being properly prepared means you can focus on learning rather than stressing about what you forgot to pack.
Your Water Safety Course Essentials Checklist
Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to bring:
1. Swimwear (plus spares)
You’ll be in and out of the pool often. A good-quality, comfortable swimsuit is essential—ideally something practical and secure for lots of movement. Consider bringing a second set if you’re doing multiple pool sessions in one day.
2. Towel and Dry Clothes
You’ll need to dry off and change several times during the day, so pack at least one large towel and comfortable dry clothes for classroom sessions. Avoid jeans or tight clothing—opt for casual, breathable attire.
3. Footwear
Flip-flops or pool-safe slides are handy for walking around wet pool decks. Also bring comfortable shoes for theory sessions.
4. Notebook and Pens
Even if digital notes are allowed, a physical notebook can be useful for jotting down diagrams, feedback, or questions during practical sessions.
5. Water Bottle
Hydration is easy to forget when you’re focused—but with poolside heat and high activity levels, it’s vital to drink regularly.
6. Healthy Snacks or Lunch
Most courses run all day, and while some venues have cafés or vending machines, it’s smart to pack your own lunch and snacks. You won’t always have long breaks.
7. Identification and Course Materials
Bring valid ID for registration. Also pack any pre-reading or paperwork your trainer may have sent in advance. Some sessions require printed forms or certificates (like CPR credentials).
8. CPR Certificate (if already completed)
If you’ve already completed a recognised CPR unit, bring your proof of completion. If it’s bundled with your course, you’ll be advised on when that session will be held.
9. Plastic Bag or Wet Gear Sack
To carry home wet swimwear without soaking everything else in your bag.
10. Positive Attitude
Cheesy, maybe—but swim teaching is a people-focused role. Starting the course with an open mind and willingness to learn makes a big difference, especially during team-based activities.
What the Course Day Looks Like
Each water safety course provider may structure the day slightly differently, but a typical day will involve:
- Welcome and course overview
- Pool sessions (observation, demonstration, teaching practice)
- Group work and discussions
- Safety drills and emergency response planning
- Instructional theory and communication techniques
- Written tasks and assessments
Expect to rotate between dry classroom time and wet in-pool learning. Being comfortable moving between both is key.
Top Tips from Course Graduates
We spoke to several recent course participants who offered this advice:
“Pack a change of clothes you can move in. After the pool, you don’t want to sit through theory in soggy shorts.” — Jess, 29, Sunshine Coast
“Don’t forget snacks. I burned through more energy than I expected, and it helped to have something quick between sessions.” — Daniel, 34, Hobart
“Bring extra pens and a highlighter. You’ll want to mark things to come back to, especially for assessments.” — Rita, 22, Melbourne
What You Don’t Need to Bring
It’s just as important to leave a few things at home:
- Valuables: Avoid bringing laptops or expensive tech unless required.
- Pool toys or teaching props: These are usually supplied during the course.
- Heavy books: Most course material is provided digitally or in manageable handouts.
Additional Resources to Support Your Learning
Once you’ve enrolled, you’ll likely get access to an online student portal or downloadable resources. These tools can help you prepare for course topics like:
- Communication strategies for swim teaching
- Child development and learning styles
- Basic biomechanics of swimming
- Aquatic safety laws and standards in Australia
For background reading, check out this NSW Education resource on teaching and learning in swimming and water safety, which offers insight into how lessons are structured across different age groups.
Final Thoughts
So—what to bring to Austswim course? It’s not just about goggles and swimmers. It’s about arriving with the mindset and tools to get the most from your learning experience.
With your swimwear packed, forms ready, and lunch in your bag, you’ll step into your course prepared, focused, and ready to begin a meaningful aquatic journey. And by completing a certified water safety course, you’ll join a network of instructors helping Australians of all ages stay safe and confident in the water.
The first lesson starts with you—make sure you’re ready.