Seven cities. More than 250 aquatic professionals. Over 50 women sharing leadership, experience and industry insight.
From behind-the-scenes tours and powerful keynote stories to honest panel conversations and the kind of connection only SwimSchoolers truly understand, the 2026 BOSS W. International Women’s Day series proved something important – the learn to swim industry across Australia and New Zealand is not only women-strong, it is generous, collaborative and deeply committed to safer communities.
It was a remarkable national effort from a small but passionate ASSA team, working alongside industry partners including ARI NSW in Sydney and ARQ in Brisbane, as well as speakers, venues and colleagues across the aquatic sector.
And if the conversations in the room were any indication, this movement is only just getting started.
The 2026 BOSS W. International Women’s Day event series has concluded across Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland, bringing together more than 250 SwimSchooler and aquatic professionals to celebrate leadership, connection and the powerful role women play across the learn to swim and aquatic industry.
Coordinating seven events across two countries, alongside more than 50 keynote speakers and panelists, was no small undertaking. Delivered by the lean yet nimble Australian Swim Schools Association team with the assistance of regional volunteer coordinators: WA – Kirsty Fraser, ACT – Bernice Hay & Sinead McCarthy, NZ – Ashleigh Pushon & Danielle Turner, and VIC – Lisa Wilson & Shona Pallas — and with valued industry partners Aquatic & Recreation Institute (ARI NSW) in Sydney, and Aquatics Recreation Queensland (ARQ,) in Brisbane, the series reflects a deep commitment to supporting the people who deliver high-quality water safety and learn to swim education every day. It is work driven by passion – the shared belief that when we strengthen the SwimSchooler community, more children and families across Australia and New Zealand gain access to safe, professional and life-saving swimming education.
Luke Daly, CEO of the Australian Swim Schools Association, said the events highlighted the strength of the ASSA network and the importance of industry connection.
“ASSA membership brings the swim school community together in ways that strengthen the entire industry,”
Daly said.
“The connections, professional conversations and shared learning we see at events like BOSS W. are a powerful reminder of the value of being part of this network.”
Across the seven cities, more than 50 leading women contributed as keynote speakers and panelists, representing swim schools, aquatic facilities, commercial suppliers and industry organisations. Their stories and professional insights reinforced the strength of a sector that is proudly women-strong, community focused and deeply committed to water safety.
Celebrating leadership across the aquatic industry.
Most BOSS W. events featured keynote presentations and all moderated panel discussions highlighting the diverse career pathways within the learn to swim industry and broader aquatic sector.
Speakers generously shared their journeys – many beginning on the pool deck and progressing into leadership roles – demonstrating the many ways professionals can build long and rewarding careers in aquatics. Sincere thanks goes to: Victoria Rich – SWIM RECRUIT (Sydney), Ashley Whitehead – EQ Minds (Melbourne), Kaz Bennett (Brisbane), Tracey Menzies – Sports Trainer Extraordinaire (Canberra).
Their presentations and conversations explored leadership, resilience, community impact and the importance of supporting one another in an industry that plays a critical role in water safety education and community wellbeing.
For Hollie Johnson of ASSA, the events demonstrate the strength of the SwimSchooler community.
“BOSS W. reminds us that our industry is not only professional and capable – it is supportive, connected and full of people who genuinely want to see each other succeed,”
Participants left each event with renewed energy, strengthened professional relationships and a deeper appreciation of the opportunities available within the SwimSchooler and aquatic workforce.
A powerful reminder of a women-strong industry
The learn to swim sector remains one of the few industries where women represent the majority of the workforce – from swim teachers and supervisors through to managers, business owners and industry leaders.
BOSS W. provided an important opportunity to recognise this strength while encouraging continued leadership development and professional confidence.
Panel discussions across the cities highlighted:
- shared knowledge and practical industry insight
- meaningful connection with peers and colleagues
- increased confidence for emerging leaders
- clear pathways for careers across the aquatic sector
- the value of supportive and inclusive workplaces
Together, these conversations reinforced the reality that strong swim schools lead to stronger aquatic communities for families across Australia and New Zealand.
Aquatic leaders reflect on the impact
The success of the 2026 BOSS W. series was recognised by leaders from across the aquatic sector.
Suellen Goyne, Chair of ARI NSW, reflected on the importance of creating spaces where industry professionals can connect and learn from one another.
“When people in aquatics come together to share their experiences and support each other, the entire industry benefits. Events like BOSS W strengthen the culture of collaboration that our sector relies on.”
Jay Clarke, President of ARQ, highlighted the value of recognising the people who shape aquatic workplaces.
“The learn to swim industry is built on passionate professionals who care deeply about the communities they serve. Celebrating that contribution is incredibly important.”
Why connection matters for SwimSchoolers
For ASSA members, events such as BOSS W. demonstrate one of the key advantages of belonging to the Australian Swim Schools Association community.
Beyond accreditation and professional resources, membership provides opportunities for swim school engagement, aquatic networking and professional development that support both individuals and businesses across the learn to swim and aquatic industry.
These connections continue throughout the year. Following the success of recent events, the ASSA Swimposium Educators Roadshow returns in June 2026, bringing high-quality training and professional development directly to cities across Australia. The roadshow allows swim schools to train their teams locally, without the cost and time of travelling interstate, while maintaining the same high standards of SwimSchooler education and industry best practice.
Later in the year, ASSA members will again come together at the national SPARK National Conference on the Gold Coast in August 2026, the industry’s premier gathering for swim school owners, managers and aquatic leaders. Members benefit from reduced ticket pricing, making it easier for swim schools to invest in leadership development, innovation and long-term industry growth.
Together, these events strengthen the culture of the SwimSchooler profession, ensuring that the knowledge, confidence and connection developed through the ASSA network ultimately flows back to the pool deck – benefiting swim teachers, swim schools and the families who rely on high-quality water safety and learn to swim programs.
Looking ahead
Based on the success of the 2026 series – bringing together over 250 attendees and more than 50 industry speakers and panelists – BOSS W has firmly established itself as an event that will continue to grow in both influence and impact.
With strong engagement from across the SwimSchooler and aquatic community, the series highlights the positive future of the learn to swim and aquatic industry.
As the sector continues to evolve, initiatives that celebrate leadership, strengthen networks and encourage professional growth will remain essential.
And if the response to this year’s events is any indication, BOSS W. will continue to play an important role in supporting the people who make the SwimSchooler profession so vital to communities across Australia and New Zealand.
Media contact: Luke Daly
Mob: +61 414 086 858
