Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame

The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) launched the Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame during its inaugural Awards Dinner on the 16th August at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.  This Hall of Fame will recognise outstanding contributions to the Swim Schools Industry, incorporating the teaching of swimming and water safety. Long time industry servant and history buff, Ted Tullberg, has been appointed the Curator.

Operating on a two tier system, the first level will see Inductees into the categories of ‘Pioneer’, ‘Science’, ‘Humanitarian’ and ‘Outstanding Contributor’.  The Inductees will receive a ‘Steedman’. In 1867, Charles Steedman’s 270 page “Manual of Swimming” was published in Melbourne. The world’s first technical book on “speed swimming”, it marked the beginning of swimming’s modern era.  The book also contained tips on how to rescue people.  As English Swimming Champion, Steedman immigrated to Australia in 1854, becoming a passionate advocate of learning to swim.

The top tier of the Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame is reserved for the ‘Legends’. Exceptional service over an extended period is the primary criteria for this level. The Inductees will receive a ‘Forbes’, in honour of global swimming legend, Forbes Carlile MBE.