Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Characteristics of the participant group may include:
age
stage of development
physical or intellectual characteristics
cultural and situational factors.
Water familiarisation may include:
entering, leaving and moving through the water
getting the face wet
submerging and opening eyes under water
regaining a standing position
breathing.
Buoyancy and mobility skills may include:
front, back and side floating
gliding
torpedo
sculling
treading water
stroke exploration.
Best practice principles of aquatic activities may include:
accepted preventative practice adopted throughout the aquatic industry to minimise safety hazards or risks
AUSTSWIM Limited Swimming Teachers Code of Conduct policies
the culture of swimming and water safety.
Instructional methods may include:
whole skill strategies
whole, progressive part, whole strategies
progressive part strategies
demonstration strategies
command and response strategies
experiential or problem-solving strategies
techniques to encourage the reluctant participant.
Resources may include:
flotation devices
first aid facilities and equipment
ropes
reaching poles
pool safety equipment
clipboards
instructors and equipment.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
duty of care
working with children.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
communication protocols
swimming teachers Code of Conduct policy
appropriate swimwear and personal protective equipment
consideration of other facility users.
Conditions and external influences may include:
environmental conditions
other facility users
spectators
parents
other instructors.
Principles of movement in water may include:
buoyancy
flotation
hydrostatic pressure
propulsion
lift
drag
turbulence
acceleration
resistance
balance and stability.
Factors which affect skills acquisition may include:
individual considerations
venue
weather conditions
background noise and distractions
class size
water depth
available water space.
Areas needing improvement may include:
knowledge
instructional skills and techniques
group control techniques.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
delivers concise information, explanations and demonstrations to ensure drills, activities and games are conducted safely
observes clients and provides feedback and intervention to improve individual skill performance as appropriate
modifies instructional methods, styles and activities for individuals and groups to enhance skill development as appropriate
applies organisational policies and procedures and relevant legislation to ensure safety of participants and other facility users.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
conduct of drills, activities and games for multiple sessions which incorporate instruction in all water familiarisation, buoyancy and mobility skills
access to a swimming pool or confined natural shallow water venue
access to safety equipment relevant to local regulatory and organisational requirements
access to appropriate clients.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of candidate instructing, monitoring and adjusting water familiarisation, buoyancy and mobility skills according to the needs and characteristics of participant groups and organisational safety requirements
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the application of the principles of movement in water
review of portfolio of lesson plans developed by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISCCRO302A Apply legal and ethical instructional skills.