Just Confirmed – The full day's program coming soon.

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Supporting Neurodivergent and Anxious Swimmers: Strategies for Inclusive Swim Lessons – Nikiesha Pilgrim

Children with ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorders, and anxiety often face unique challenges in a swimming lesson environment. Sensory dysregulation and unfamiliar settings can create barriers to learning. As a swim instructor, recognising these needs and implementing inclusive strategies is essential for ensuring all children feel safe and supported to develop essential swimming skills.

In this presentation, Nikiesha will explore how sensory processing differences and anxiety manifest in the aquatic setting and provide practical approaches to support neurodivergent swimmers. She will share strategies that have been successfully used to help students regulate their nervous system and meet their sensory needs, build trust, and help children focus on skill development.

Attendees will gain insight into recognising signs of dysregulation and fostering a supportive learning environment that promotes confidence and success in the water. They will return to teaching after Swimposium with a toolbox of strategies that they can readily implement.

This session is tailored towards swimming instructors teaching toddlers to primary school-aged students who want to enhance their understanding of neurodiversity and implement inclusive teaching techniques to create a positive swimming experience for all learners.

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You Asked, We Listened – ASSA Swimposium is coming your way!

For the past two years, Educators Day at the ASSA Conference has been a standout event for swim school professionals. Now, we’re taking it on the road and giving it a fresh new name—welcome to Swimposium.

Designed by swim schools, for swim schools, Swimposium is a full-day event packed with practical learning, industry insights, and professional development to help you and your team deliver even better lessons and teach more people to swim.

We know how important convenient, cost-effective ongoing training is—that’s why we’re bringing this must-attend event to Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, and Melbourne. No need for flights, extra accommodation, or multiple days away from your swim school—just a focused, high-impact day of learning that fits your schedule.

Affordable. Accessible. Awesome.

- Sharpen your skills with hands-on learning
- Hear from industry leaders on the latest trends and challenges
- Connect with fellow swim professionals and build your network
- Take your teaching to the next level with real-world strategies

This is your chance to upskill, grow your expertise, and be part of an initiative dedicated to raising the standard of learn-to-swim.

Is there something specific you want covered? Let us know!

The industry is evolving—make sure you’re part of it. Register now!