Our Team

Aquatic Mentors was developed based on over 60+ years of experience in this area of swim teaching. We continually gather knowledge and skills from around the world. Improving your knowledge and practical skills will increase your confidence allowing you to further positively impact the lives of the students, both neurotypical (mainstream) and neurodiverse (additional needs).

Our mission to educate swim teachers and allied health professionals by expanding their knowledge, understanding and practical skills for teaching all students, in particular, students with additional needs and challenging behaviours.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

TOGETHERWE BRING60+ YEARSOF EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGETO YOU AS AQUATIC MENTORS.

BETWEEN US WE HAVE;

• Degrees in Sports Science, Human Movement, Teaching and Social Science.

• Worked for over 60 years with children and adults with a variety of additional needs and challenging behaviours in the water.

• Continued to study overseas which keeps us at the cutting edge of working with children with challenging behaviours in Australia.

• Presented a many Conferences around Australia and internationally.

• Presented Access and Inclusion and have trained in the Halliwick method.

• Owned and operated 4 swim schools across 2 states.

Look At Our Courses Here

Austswim Recognition of Excellence Teacher of Aquatics, Access and Inclusion Award

Our Team

RUTH SMITH

BACH. SOC. SC., DIPO. SPORT SCI .

Ruth has been working with children and adults with additional needs and challenging behaviours since her University days. She ran an employment service for people with disabilities, worked in the hydrotherapy department of a rehabilitation unit for transport accident victims and has taught and coached swimmers of all abilities for 41 years. She travels overseas studying aquatic therapy and best practises for working with students with additional needs in the water. Ruth has owned and operated swim schools for the last 15 years and it is here that she has honed her skill set for this specialised area. Now an Aquatic Mentor, Ruth wants to share her knowledge, wisdom and expertise in this rewarding field. When there is downtime, Ruth enjoys walking at sunrise, going to the movies and a hot chai.

LYN O'BRIEN

BHMS, DIP T. CERT IV IN TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT

Lyn taught full-time Physical Education and Primary classroom teaching with the Education Department for 8 years before leaving to have a family. She returned to part-time work with the Department while concurrently running her various swim centres. She has taught all ability levels and she is especially interested in the area of swimming for students with additional needs. Also, she presents adult training courses, Swimming and Water Safety, Access and Inclusion, Infant swimming and has presented at many conferences around Australia. Aquatic Mentors, is the culmination of over 30 years of working with a diverse clientele with additional needs. In her leisure time, Lyn enjoys exercising, reading and especially having coffee with friends.