Employment Services

Aquatic Employment Program

How do we help?

Our Aquatic Employment Program is run in partnership with Life Saving Victoria (LSV), and provides a safe and welcoming space for young people to build confidence in the water and to develop their water safety and swimming skills. 

Swimming is a great way to stay active and improve overall fitness. Regular participation helps strengthen muscles, boost cardiovascular health, and enhance coordination. Beyond the physical benefits, being in the water is known to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve mood.

This program is also an opportunity to meet new people, build friendships, and feel part of a supportive community. Participants encourage one another, celebrate progress together, and create lasting social connections.

For those who are interested, it can also provide an opportunity to receive training and support to find employment as a lifeguard or swimming teacher.

Who is it for?

This swimming program is for newly arrived young people aged 16-25 years.

Currently, we have space for 12 participants – with an instructor to participant ratio of 1:6 – to ensure participants receive adequate attention and guidance.

“Participating in our swimming session every Tuesday night is an amazing chance to improve your skills. It’s a delightful way to meet new friends and have a great time…I have the pleasure of meeting some really lovely people, and the instructors are so kind and skilled.”
Abdi, Aquatic Employment Program client

Contact us

Sylvia Tran, Youth Settlement Worker

Frequently Asked Questions

The swimming program is free
Swim lessons are for half an hour and run weekly during school terms at VU Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Victoria University Footscray Park Campus.
Our lessons are tailored for those who have no experience of swimming, as well as those who want to improve.
Participant progress is monitored and those interested in becoming swim teachers/lifeguards are tested by LSV. If eligible, the participants are then supported by both LSV and Spectrum to complete the swim teacher/lifeguard training courses. We can also provide support to obtain a swim teacher licence and when applying for jobs.

More information

The Aquatic Employment Program is funded by Life Saving Victoria, and the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program.

Visit the LSV website

Find out more about SETS

Find out more about our other Employment programs