Landmark swimming strategy a north star for Aussies urged to find their place in sport

A landmark initiative launched by Swimming Australia today signals a new horizon for swimming in this country and aims to help more Australians to find their place in sport and enjoy the benefits of being involved. 

The Swim Well Strategy is the first public facing national participation and sport growth strategy for swimming and the watershed plan represents a unified commitment to ensure swimming continues to thrive across communities, clubs, and swimming pathways.

The Strategy is about more than numbers in the pool, it is about ensuring Australians of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities experience the lifelong joy, safety, and benefits of swimming.

It has been co-designed through an extensive process involving Member Organisations, staff, volunteers, coaches and technical officials, alongside guidance from the Australian Sports Commission.

Their collective input has ensured that Swim Well is both ambitious and practical, grounded in the needs of the swimming community while aligning with the broader national sporting agenda.

Rob Woodhouse, Swimming Australia’s CEO, said: “The Swim Well Strategy is a bold step for our sport, making every swimming experience more inclusive and impactful for Australians.”

“Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive and aligned future for swimming. To all our partners, members and supporters thank you for being part of this journey, we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

The Swim Well Strategy is anchored around three key Action Plans designed to deliver meaningful change:

1. Coaching Action Plan – Supporting Coaches, Setting Standards:
   The backbone of Australia’s proud swimming history is built on the skill and dedication of our coaches. The Coaching Action plan aligns with the recently released Swimming Australia National Coaching Framework (SANCF) and emphasizes the creation of participant-centered, inclusive, and safe coaching environments. Underpinned by the SPLASH Principles, the plan will accelerate coaching at a national scale, highlights include well-being programs, modular learning opportunities, streamlined licensing, and safeguarding measures aimed at ensuring that every child feels valued and secure in our sport.
2. Officiating Action Plan – Recognising and Growing Technical Officials:
   Technical officials are the backbone of swimming competitions, ensuring fairness, integrity, and quality experiences for athletes. By enhancing training pathways, fostering a strong culture and uplifting officiating capability, we will ensure our competitions not only maintain world-class standards but are also welcoming and positive environments for all athletes.
3. Sport Growth Action Plan – Expanding Swimming’s Reach:
   The Sport Growth plan is dedicated to making swimming accessible for all Australians so they can enjoy and stay connected to swimming for life. Through strengthened community connections and enhancing the visibility of swimming as a foundational sport. It aims to establish stronger community links, promote diverse membership in clubs, and advocate for the importance of swimming through storytelling campaigns that echo the positive impact of this sport on Australian life.

Gary Barclay, Executive General Manager – Performance Pathways, Coaching, Participation and Officiating, added: “We’re really confident Swim Well will provide a clear direction to the sport and that there is low hanging fruit to see some great quick wins that set the sport up for meaningful growth.”

“What can’t be understated is the role of the community in shaping every participant’s experience; coaches, officials, parents, supporters and administrators, all influence a person’s experience in swimming.

“Swim Well gives us the opportunity to work with everyone to ensure people are connected to swimming for life.”

Following today’s launch, a Swim Well Alliance will be formed to guide and ensure the strategy serves the sport. Additionally, action groups will also be formed to drive key initiatives from within the Action Plans.

Swim Well offers leadership and partnership opportunities for Swimming Australia and the wider aquatic industry, ensuring every stakeholder has a vital role in shaping the future of our sport.

With the support of Member Organisations, volunteers, coaches, officials, and partners, Swimming Australia stands committed to bringing this vision to life.

Swimming has always been part of the Australian narrative and with the Swim Well Strategy, Swimming Australia will ensure it remains a sport for everyone, today and into the future.

The following documents can be found at Swimming Australia – About us under the heading Swim Well Strategy 2025-2028:

• Coaching Action Plan
• Sport Growth Action Plan
• Officiating Action Plan

The Swim Well Strategy complements the Play Well Strategy undertaken by the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) to make sport fun and encourage more Australians to get involved.