​​

As you may be aware, the CARA Guidelines V4.0 will be published in Term 4, 2025 as part of the state-wide review cycle. These revised guidelines include significant updates to the “Swimming in Pools”, “Swimming in Locations Other Than Pools” and “Swim Teacher Qualifications” sections of CARA. The revisions directly affect how Learn to Swim Teachers, aquatic teaching staff and HPE teachers must plan, supervise, and deliver aquatic activities to ensure student safety and compliance.

​

Why training and alignment are essential.

​

The revised CARA guidelines introduce:

​

• New minimum supervision ratios based on student competency levels, both in pools and open water.

• Updated qualification requirements for teachers and aquatic supervisors, including water safety, rescue, and recovery/emergency competencies.

• Stricter hazard and control measures, covering diving, aquatic toys, swimming attire, water testing, lightning protection, and student confidence assessments.

• Stronger accountability for principals, who remain responsible for ensuring activity leaders hold the correct qualifications and can enact emergency procedures.

 

These changes will require a shift in practice for most schools, especially regarding:

​

• Who can supervise and teach aquatic activities

• Staff training and qualifications

• How aquatic staff assess student readiness and risk

• How CARA records are created and maintained once current versions expire in Term 4, 2025

 

Required action.

 

To ensure your staff are prepared before the new guidelines take effect, it is essential that:

​

• All aquatic teaching staff and HPE teachers complete updated training that aligns with the new CARA requirements.

• Training is scheduled and completed no later than Term 4, 2025, so schools are ready for compliance immediately upon publication.

 

Preferred Supplier to the Queensland Department of Education.

​

We strongly recommend engaging with Royal Life Saving Training – RTO 5431 through Aquatic Response Cairns for your staff training needs. They are a Preferred Supplier to the Queensland Department of Education offering nationally recognised courses that meet the new CARA requirements.

​

Course offerings to meet all CARA requirements and receive all required competencies (listed below):

​

• Learn to Swim Teacher course – 1.5 days.

 

• Learn to Swim Disability Teacher course – 0.5 days.

 

 

• Bronze Medallion/Lifeguard Upgrade course (for current Bronze Medallion holders) – 1.5hrs.

 

• Bronze Medallion/Lifeguard Re-accreditation course (for expired Bronze Medallion holders) – 0.5 days.

 

 

• Bronze Medallion/Lifeguard Full course (staff without qualifications) – 2 days.

 

*All courses are GST free

​

You can view upcoming course dates and enrolment information here: Aquatic Response Course Dates.

​

Next steps for schools

​

1. Review staffing needs for aquatic programs against the new supervision and qualification requirements.

2. Book staff into training with Aquatic Response aquaticresponse@icloud.com as soon as possible to secure places ahead of the Term 4, 2025 deadline.

3. Prepare to update CARA records in OneSchool when the revised guidelines are published (existing records will expire automatically).

4. Contact Shane Churchward or Peter Cox for further information at email: aquaticresponse1@icloud.com

 

By ensuring staff are trained now, schools can maintain safe aquatic programs without disruption and remain fully compliant with updated CARA guidelines.

​

For further clarification, please refer to the Summary of Revisions to the CARA Guidelines V4.0  or contact CARA@qed.qld.gov.au.

​

Thank you for prioritising student safety and supporting your staff to meet these important new requirements.

​

Kind regards,

Peter Cox

Royal Lifesaving Training RTO 5431 Trainer/Assessor

Preferred Supplier to the Queensland Department of Education.