Long-time WA Swim Instructors win AUSTSWIM awards

WA swimming and water safety teacher Yvonne Piachniarski has been named recipient of the 2016 National AUSTSWIM Teacher of Adults Award. Yvonne has been a swimming teacher for more than 30 years, and is the co-owner of The Biggest Little Swim School in Wembley.

Yvonne, a member of Royal Life Saving Society WA since 1999 when she completed an Infant Aquatics qualification, has completed a variety aquatic and first aid qualifications with us over the past 18 years.

The award, received by Yvonne at the WA AUSTSWIM Conference in July this year, was celebrated at this week’s AUSTSWIM National Conference + AquaSummit at Tweed Heads in Queensland. The Award is one of eight national AUSTSWIM awards that recognise brilliance, commitment and innovation in the teaching of swimming and water safety.

Yvonne received the award for her positive and encouraging approach when teaching fearful adults and Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) adult learners. Learning to swim as an adult can be an extremely daunting experience, but is a vital skill to learn in order to stay safe and fully enjoy the Australian lifestyle. Her award nomination stated that Yvonne "encourages active student self-discovery and participation to assist in adult learning, all with her guidance and support.”

Fellow co-owner of the Biggest Little Swim School, Barb Worth, has also received an AUSTSWIM award this year, the state award for Presenter of the Year 2017. Barb has been a long-time community trainer with Royal Life Saving Society WA, completing her first trainer's qualification in 1990.

Royal Life Saving WA congratulates Yvonne and Barb for their achievements and wishes them the very best as they continue to make an impact in teaching children and adults alike in the years to come.