This easy-to-use, visually engaging guide helps schools, teachers, youth leaders, and parents make informed decisions when planning water-based excursions. It highlights the essential safety checks, supervision requirements, and competency considerations needed to keep students safe during swimming, water play, and aquatic activities.
 
The guide includes:
Can Your Students REALLY Swim?
Clear criteria for assessing water readiness, including swimming distance, floating, orienting in deep water, breathing control, and safe entry/exit skills.
During the Trip
Key supervision and safety practices:
Identifying who is responsible for safety
Ensuring lifeguards and qualified first aiders are present
Understanding water conditions
Checking safety policies and emergency plans
Confirming staff CPR & first aid qualifications
Assessing students’ swimming ability
Before Choosing a Venue
Critical pre-trip checks:
Active supervision
Buddy systems
Boundary-setting
Recognising fatigue risks
Before Heading Home
Conducting headcounts & health checks
Debriefing on water safety
Reviewing the experience for future improvement
 
The guide also introduces the SA AIA Water Safety Chapter, supporting schools with:
Educator & facilitator training
Advocacy for safer water-activity practices
Stronger links between schools and safety specialists
 
Perfect for school administrators, teachers, youth workers, and any organisation planning water-related outings.