On a recent swim school visit, SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia spent time with one of their smaller member swim schools. The owner and manager wore every hat in the business — leader, teacher, administrator, marketer and problem solver.

That day, she was tired. Not physically, but emotionally. She felt isolated and unsure of her next step. The challenges of staffing, parent expectations, compliance and cash flow had begun to feel heavy.

She told us she often reached out to us during these moments. But this time, she hesitated.

She worried she was reaching out too much.
She didn’t want to feel like a burden.
She didn’t know who else she could speak to.

Local swim schools were direct competitors and opening up to them didn’t feel comfortable. She needed someone who understood her world, the unique pressures of leading a swim school , without judgement.

We left that visit thinking deeply about how we could better support members like her.

The Birth of SWIM Meetups

Out of that reflection came SWIM Meetups.

Each month, we now host a one-hour virtual meetup exclusively for swim school owners and managers. It is a members-only benefit designed to create a safe, confidential and supportive environment.

There are no “silly” questions.
There is no competition.
There is no judgement.

Just honest conversations between peers who truly understand the challenges of running a swim school.

Some members are comfortable raising their questions live. Others prefer to submit them beforehand so they can remain anonymous. Both options are welcomed and respected.

Some months we have more than 40 people on the call. Other months, it may be three. It depends entirely on what is happening in their world at the time. But whether the group is large or small, the impact is the same — meaningful connection.

Peer Support across Australia

What makes SWIM Meetups so powerful is the diversity of experience across Australia.

A challenge that feels overwhelming to one swim school may have already been solved by another in a different state. Members share what has worked, what hasn’t, and the practical steps they have taken.

Some sessions flow so naturally that we barely need to guide the discussion — members lead it themselves. That is exactly what we hoped for.

On occasion, questions arise that we do not immediately have the answer to. When that happens, we take the question on notice and follow up with research and practical guidance after the session.

At times, discussions highlight clear gaps in training or resources. This has allowed us to identify areas where we can develop new support materials or education opportunities for the broader membership.

More Than a Meeting

SWIM Meetups have quickly become more than just a monthly online session.

They are:

• A sounding board
• A problem-solving space
• A leadership support network
• A relationship-building tool

They reinforce that no matter the size of a swim school — big or small — you are not alone.

As a members-only benefit, we have already welcomed three new swim schools who joined specifically to participate in these sessions. That speaks volumes about the value of connection in our industry.

Why It Matters

Running a swim school can be isolating. Owners and managers carry significant responsibility. Having a trusted network of peers who understand those pressures can make an enormous difference.

It comes back to a simple truth:

A problem shared really is a problem halved.

SWIM Meetups have strengthened our relationships with members and deepened their connection to each other. Most importantly, they remind every owner and manager that support is always within reach.

And sometimes, all someone needs is a safe space to talk.

About SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM)

SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM) is the peak body for swimming Coaches, Teachers and Swim Schools in Australia.

We have a range of priorities for the further development of our learn-to-swim programs, the swim safety industry and the sport of swimming. SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia is a corporate entity with business objectives and is a not for profit special interest group dedicated to providing service to its Members and acting as an advocate on their behalf.

SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia is dedicated to developing world leading practises in the education, licencing, professional development and ongoing support for swimming Coaches and swimming and water safety Teachers, as well as developing and empowering our swim school network through the delivery of world’s best practice guidelines, professional development programs, growth opportunities and business support.

Whilst our core business is based in Australia, SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia has members throughout the world and delivers conferences, resources, courses and services overseas.

SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia also is an active member of both the World Swimming Coaches Association and the International Federation of Swimming Teachers Associations.