GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) has recognised outstanding teachers, leaders, programs and swim schools at the 2026 ASSA Awards of Excellence, held as the association celebrated its 10-year anniversary.
The National Gala was held at QT Gold Coast on 26 August. SwimSchoolers from across Australia came together for the presentation of Regional Gold, Highly Commended and National Gold honours.
The 2026 program expanded to 22 award categories, including seven new awards for technology, staff development and training, customer service, local government, Learn to Swim programs, swim school ownership and water safety leadership.
Entries were assessed against category-specific rubrics by an external expert panel. Regional Gold recipients progressed to the national finalist group, with National Gold presented in each awarded category.
“Celebrating 10 years of ASSA with SwimSchoolers from across the country was a proud moment for everyone involved with the association.”
“As they do each year, the Awards recognised outstanding teachers, leaders and organisations across Learn to Swim and water safety. This year’s anniversary celebration also acknowledged the people who have helped build ASSA over its first decade.”
— Luke Daly, CEO, Australian Swim Schools Association
Two of the night’s major honours were: Aquatots Swim School – Forde from the ACT received National Gold for Swim School of the Year – more than 1,000 lessons per week, while Kwinana Swim School from Western Australia received National Gold for Swim School of the Year – up to 1,000 lessons per week.
ASSA Marks its First Decade
The anniversary celebration acknowledged the members, leaders and industry partners who have contributed to ASSA since 2016. During its first decade, ASSA has created national and international opportunities for SwimSchoolers to share experience, develop their teams and recognise professional achievement.
Wayne Pollock was inducted into the ASSA Hall of Fame during the Gala. A foundation Board member and former ASSA President, Wayne has spent more than two decades in Learn to Swim and has contributed to the association’s governance, national direction and international relationships.
“The Awards Dinner was a wonderful way to finish the event – celebrating our industry, recognising everyone’s hard work and marking ASSA’s incredible 10-year anniversary.”
— Amanda Blake, All Coast Swim Stars
ASSA congratulates every National Gold Winner, National Finalist, Regional Gold Winner and Highly Commended recipient, and thanks the judges, partners and SwimSchoolers who contributed to the 2026 Awards program.
Read the complete 2026 ASSA Awards of Excellence summary, coming Friday 11 September 2026.
2026 ASSA Awards of Excellence
Photo Gallery
About the Australian Swim Schools Association
The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) is the national body representing swim schools across Australia and New Zealand. Through professional development, industry events and its BOSS (Business of Swim Schools) community, ASSA backs the SwimSchoolers who run, manage and teach in the nation’s swim schools. It champions an industry that teaches people to swim and saves lives.
