While Swimming Australia implements the Australian Swim Coach Licence, the current Development Coaching Course is the minimum requirement for anyone who seeks to be a recognised Australian Swim Coach. The Australian Swim Coach Course will replace the Development Coaching Course in 2026.
While the new course will offer some additional features, the Development Coaching Course still provides for an excellent learning experience and when the course is phased out in 2026, there will be no gap training requirement for coaches who have chosen to complete the Development Coaching Course.
If you have been informed that you need to upskill in 2026, please enrol into and commence the Development Coaching Course as early as practicable. The information below is still applicable for the Development Coaching Course at this time, and more information about when the new course will be released will be provided in early 2026.
Australia has a proud and enduring history of producing world-class swimmers and globally respected swim coaches. Our success on the international stage is built on the strength of thousands of coaches working every day in clubs, schools, aquatic centres, and additional programs across the country. The Australian Swim Coach Course has been created to honour that history while delivering a modern, nationally consistent approach to coaching – no matter where your coaching journey begins.
Whether you are coaching in a small country town, assisting in a school program, leading a junior squad at your local club, or aspiring to coach at a National or International level, this course provides the foundations you need to coach safely, confidently, and in line with the Swimming Australia National Coaching Framework (SANCF).
The course establishes one clear standard for every new Australian Swim Coach, ensuring that from grassroots to performance pathways, coaches share the same core understanding of safety, technique, communication and athlete development.
What You Will Learn
The course builds core competencies across six key areas:
- Coaching Fundamentals
Understanding your role as a coach and the standards expected under the SANCF. - Swimmer Wellbeing and Safeguarding
Ensuring every swimmer is safe, supported, and protected in your coaching environment. - Planning and Delivering Training Sessions
Creating simple, effective session plans and delivering them with confidence. - Technical Elements of Swimming
Learning the essential movement and stroke patterns that underpin competitive swimming. - Communication and Engagement
Building positive relationships, giving effective feedback and creating a motivating environment. - Risk Management and Safety Awareness
Supervising safely, identifying hazards and responding appropriately in your coaching space.
These capabilities form the national foundation for every Australian Licenced Swim Coach.
What to expect from the new Australian Swim Coach Course
A Modern, Learner-Centred Course
When rolled out nationally in 2026, the Australian Swim Coach Course will blend online learning, live virtual instruction, and on-deck practical experience, giving new coaches the chance to learn, apply and refine essential coaching skills. The course is designed to be highly engaging, interactive and supportive; reflecting what modern coaches need to succeed.
Key Changes:
- New course materials
- No sign-off from an Advanced or Performance coach – a new, easier, more supportive process will be released.
- Increased opportunities for connection amongst the coaching community
- More opportunities for support and guidance
Pathway to Licencing
After completing the course, you will be eligible to activate your Australian Swim Coach Licence. This allows you to begin coaching and provides you with insurance, support and continued access to SPLASH Hub, where you’ll find a range of resources and further training options.
You will also be required to maintain compliance, including:
- WWCC
- CPR
- Sport Integrity Australia education
Who Can Enrol
You can enrol in the Australian Swim Coach Course if you:
- are 16 years of age
- hold an approved pre-requisite qualification
- have an interest in coaching swimmers at any level
This course suits individuals beginning their coaching journey or transitioning from teaching and other aquatic roles.
Why This Course Matters
- It sets one national standard for all new coaches.
- It strengthens Australia’s coaching pipeline from grassroots to international representation.
- It ensures all coaches, wherever they work, are safe, confident, and prepared.
- It protects swimmers and supports coaches through a structured transition.
- It reflects the modern expectations of Australian sport and child-safe practice.
- It ensures Australia’s legacy of producing exceptional swimmers through strong coaching foundations continues.
Whether your goal is to coach at your local club or to stand on deck at an international meet, the Australian Swim Coach Course is your first step into a nationally recognised, supported pathway.
How to Enrol
- Complete an endorsed pre-requisite
- Log in or create your Swim Central account
- Select the Development Coaching Course
- Book your webinar and practical workshop
- Begin your online learning
2026 course enrolments open Monday 17 December 2025.
