Swan Active swim school has taken first place on the podium at the Swim Australia Awards, recently receiving the 2020 Best Swim School Innovation Award.
While the pools were temporarily closed during the COVID-19 lockdown last year, swim school staff took the plunge and tried something novel; embracing the role of social media content creators.
From jumping onto the TikTok craze to producing at-home workout videos for YouTube, Swan Active was recognised for their outstanding efforts to keep customers informed, engaged and entertained in the digital space.
Beechboro resident Donna Linden, whose two daughters are enrolled in swim school, said Swan Active program has played a big part in their lives.
"My daughter Tayla (10) has been involved in the swim school program for ten years and recently joined the lifeguard program, and my youngest daughter Jade (7) is currently in Stage 5," Donna said.
"Since joining, we have met some amazing instructors and staff, and my daughters look forward to seeing them weekly."
Donna said lockdown took some adjustment because her daughters went from attending after-school commitments four-days a week to being stuck at home due to restrictions.
"We enjoyed watching all the videos and reading the posts from Swan Active.
"My daughters love being part of the Swan Active community and have participated in numerous Facebook and TikTok challenges."
Even City of Swan Mayor Kevin Bailey got involved in the action by featuring in a TikTok to support local business and encourage residents to shop locally.
Deputy Mayor David Lucas commended the 350 Swan Active staff for their innovation during unprecedented and uncertain times.
"The City is delighted to receive this recognition from Swim Australia," Deputy Mayor Lucas said.
"This award is a celebration of Swan Active's innovative approach to encouraging healthy and active living, addressing social isolation and facilitating community connection among its 4,000 students and their families."
Swim school membership has seen a 25 per cent increase in the past 12 months since lockdown has ended.
