Through a new Diving Australia learn to dive program ‘Splash Nation’, school children across the country will soon be able to learn to dive as part of the national Sporting Schools program led by the Australian Sports Commission.

Splash Nation is designed for primary school students in Years 5 and 6, and secondary students in Years 7 and 8 and Schools can now select diving as a sport for Term 4 and use their Sporting Schools funding. Funding for Term 4 closes at the end of August, and schools are encouraged to give their students this amazing opportunity to learn the basics of one of Australia’s leading Olympic sports.

“Diving Australia is thrilled to be welcomed into the Australian Sports Commission’s Sporting Schools program,” David Hunsdale, General Manager Participation and Sport Development said. 

“Diving is an exhilarating sport that enhances participants' fitness, flexibility, coordination, core strength and confidence — all while having a blast! Over the course of just a few weeks of Splash Nation lessons, students will learn to perform a whole range of jumps and dives safely.”

“Sporting Schools plays a vital role in helping schools deliver quality physical education and in giving students access to diverse, engaging sporting experiences.” 

“Diving Australia commend the ASC for its commitment to supporting healthier, more active school communities, and we are incredibly excited to contribute by introducing young Australians to the fun and confidence-building benefits of diving,” Hunsdale said.

Splash Nation was designed to improve participants' confidence, coordination, and diving techniques. The lessons are fun, interactive and full of challenges. They have been designed with input from experienced school and club coaches, with further input from international and Olympic-level coaches.

Delivered by accredited coaches from  state partners, Splash Nation consists of 4-9 sessions in a term and will introduce students to diving in a fun, progressive way. Starting with simple jumps and rolls from the poolside, students eventually advance to more complicated dives, with the potential to experience a fun competition-style environment to finish off the program.

Splash Nation is derived from the first two levels of the Diving Australia Levels Program. On completion of the Sporting Schools lessons, students can continue their Levels Program journey by joining a participating local club or program.

Schools are encouraged to select Diving for Term 4 by the end of August. Further information and contacts are available on the Diving section of the Sporting Schools website.

Diving Australia has coaches and can support teacher upskilling and delivery in the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. For Schools in the Northern Territory, please contact Diving Australia to discuss opportunities.