Towards a “No Drown Town” – Embracing the Pool and Spa Industry

The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) has a ‘towards a NO DROWN TOWN’ initiative, which dovetails with the Australian Water Safety Strategy and it’s tag of “towards a nation free from drowning”.

ASSA’s approach of ‘SAFER Swimming’ is built around the ‘Layers of Protection’ message: Adult supervision; Barriers, e.g. pool fences and gates; Swimming and water safety skills; and Emergency action plans.  ASSA believes that the Pool and Spa Industry are ideal partners in delivering this message.

Significantly, ASSA’s broader agenda involves families enjoying the many benefits that being able to swim brings – including in home pools

Ross Gage
CEO, Australian Swim Schools Association

Swimming has continuously been a part of Ross’s life since he was taught at age 4 by the legendary Laurie Lawrence, back in 1964.  With a combined Education and Human Movement Studies degree, Ross proceeded to teach and coach swimming for 20 years, establishing his own Swim School in 1984 – which still operates successfully today.

During the 1990s, Ross’s focus shifted to the swim school industry and sport development.  He had significant roles with Swimming Australia (the sport’s governing body) and the Coaches Association.  This evolved over time to now being totally immersed in his true passion: helping the ‘family’ of swim schools with their teaching and business.  As the CEO of the Australian Swim Schools Association and Secretary of the International Swim Schools Association, this is his drive.  A focus is on drowning prevention.

Along the way, Ross has developed numerous programs, worked on publications, convened and presented at conferences, and received many Awards – the most recent being inducted into the US Swim Schools Hall of Fame.