Field: Community and Social Services

Review of Aquatic New Zealand qualifications

Reviewed qualifications

Ref	Version	Qualification Title	Credits
3506	2	New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Senior Pool Lifeguard) (Level 4)	120
3507	2	New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Specialised Swim and Water Safety Teacher) (Level 4) with strands in Early Childhood Swimmers, Adult Swimmers, Adaptive Aquatics, and Stroke Mechanics	120

Review information

Qualification Developer	Toi Mai Workforce Development Council
Reason for the development/review	Industry and Provider Requested Review
Review date	December 2024
Outcome date	28 February 2025
Next review date	28 February 2030

Summary of development/review and consultation process

The Aquatic qualifications were reviewed before the September 2026 review date, following feedback from the provider and industry that updates were required as the qualifications were no longer fit for purpose.

Initial consultation took place from May to July 2024 via email, followed by meetings with Swimming New Zealand and Recreation Aotearoa in October 2024. Targeted consultation meetings were then held with stakeholders in October and November.

The consultation identified that there was still a need for these Level 4 qualifications and the graduate profile continued to meet industry requirements, however the credit allocation for the qualifications didn’t accurately reflect the time required to complete. Feedback also indicated that for the New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Specialised Swim and Water Safety Teacher) (Level 4) [Ref: 3507] selecting one strand instead of two aligned with the specialised swim teacher role, as most kaimahi focus on a single area of expertise.

Main changes resulting from the review process

New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Senior Pool Lifeguard) (Level 4) [Ref: 3506]

• Qualification credits reduced from 120 to 60 credits.

• GPO1 reduced from 30 to 25 credits, GPO2 reduced from 40 to 10 credits, GPO3 reduced from 30 to 15 credits and GPO4 reduced from 20 to 10 credits.

• No changes were made to the GPO statements.

• Purpose statement updated to include scope of practice statement.

• Evidence requirements for assuring consistency updated.

• The Vulnerable Children Act statement updated in Other Requirements section, and the General Conditions for programmes updated to include diversity and inclusion.

New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Specialised Swim and Water Safety Teacher) (Level 4) with strands in Early Childhood Swimmers, Adult Swimmers, Adaptive Aquatics, and Stroke Mechanics [Ref: 3507]

• Qualification credits reduced from 120 to 50 credits.

• Qualification specification section updated requiring learners to complete one strand only in order to gain the qualification.

• GPO1 removed and content incorporated into the GPO strands (increasing GPO credits for each strand from 20 to 30 credits).

• GPO2 reduced from 20 to 5 credits, GPO3 reduced from 10 to 5 credits and GPO4 reduced from 20 to 10 credits.

• Purpose statement updated to include scope of practice statement.

• Evidence requirements for assuring consistency updated.

• Entry statement updated to include “or equivalent” for the Level 3 Aquatics qualification and the Vulnerable Children Act statement updated in other requirements; and the general conditions for programmes updated to include diversity and inclusion.

Development/Review outcome

Ref:

Version

Qualification Title

Outcome category

New qualification ID/version

(as applicable)

3506

New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Senior Pool Lifeguard) (Level 4)

B-New version of qualification

3506-3

3507

New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Specialised Swim and Water Safety Teacher) (Level 4) with strands in Early Childhood Swimmers, Adult Swimmers, Adaptive Aquatics, and Stroke Mechanics

B-New version of qualification

3507-3

Qualification review outcome categories

Outcome	Result	Category
Minor changes to the qualification	Qualification version number and ID (Ref) remain the same. New review date is required.	A
Moderate changes to the qualification	New qualification version number. Ref/ID remains the same. New review date is required.	B
Significant changes to the qualification	New replacement qualification with a new Ref/ID The existing qualification will expire.	C
The qualification is no longer required by industry	The qualification will expire with no replacement.	D

Transition information

Ref:	Version	Qualification Title	Last date of entry*	Last date of assessment
3506	2	New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Senior Pool Lifeguard) (Level 4)	N/A	31/12/2027
3507	2	New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Specialised Swim and Water Safety Teacher) (Level 4) with strands in Early Childhood Swimmers, Adult Swimmers, Adaptive Aquatics, and Stroke Mechanics	N/A	31/12/2027

*only required for outcome category C or D

Any additional information, including Qualification Developer contact details.

It is anticipated that no existing candidates will be disadvantaged by these transition arrangements. However, anyone who feels that they have been disadvantaged may appeal to Toi Mai Workforce Development Council at the address below. Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Toi Mai Workforce Development Council

PO Box 445

Wellington 6140

Email: qualifications@toimai.nz

Web: www.toimai.nz

Phone: 04 909 0316