Halberg Disability Foundation help those with physical disabilities become swim teachers

Earlier in the year Alice Leslie, who has Spina Bifida, was able to take part in a Swimming New Zealand education course with the support of the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation.

The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation and Swimming New Zealand have been working together to get people with physical disabilities working as swimming teachers.

Alice has now completed her Swim Teacher Award gaining the National Certificate in Recreation and Sport (Aquatics) – Swim Education which also earns her 43 level 3 NCEA credits.

Currently studying education at Victoria University in Wellington Alice is also a Scout leader and spends a lot of time around the water including on her family’s boat. She is now able to use her skills learnt in the course teaching her Scouts group and others around her about being safe in, on and around the water.

To gain her qualification Alice had to complete 20 hours of swim teaching which she was able to do with the Wellington City Council as well as complete a number of post course documents.

In her final practical assessment Alice ran a well-structured lesson with clear progressions, great use of equipment and structured play to get the most from her swimmer.

Alice’s next goal is to complete her Early Childhood Swim Teacher Award.