DO YOU WORK AT A JUMP! SWIM SCHOOL?

In a recent article published in The Age, it was revealed that opening up a Jump! swimming school may not be all that it is cracked up to be. With Jump! swim schools allegedly earning $15 million in revenue across 2018, it would seem the franchise model would be a great option for those who have spent a lifetime in the industry and want to take on the challenge of owning a swim school. Unfortunately, when something seems too good to be true, it often is and it is often the little guy that gets left out in the cold. This would seem to be the case with The Age reporting the struggle of swim teacher of 20 years, Juliet Sharp, in trying to open her own Jump! franchise.

So what does this mean for swimming teachers? As the little fish in the business of selling swimming lessons to parents and children, it can often be the swimming teachers who miss out on their entitlements, whilst the 'businessmen' are building models of swim schools designed to maximise profit. Perhaps the starkest example of this was the estimated $1.4 million paid to Paul Sadler Swimland employees after an array of underpayment claims.

This is an unfortunate situation for both swimming teachers and franchisees who set out to do what we all love doing, teaching kids to swim, but have been put in a position where they are ill-equipped by the franchisor to do so. The Swim Instructor's Association is intent on ensuring that the people who deliver swimming lessons, the teachers, are able to do their job and not feel like they are being taken advantage of.

Do you or someone you know work at a Jump! swim school? Are you unsure whether you are receiving the correct entitlements? Are you a Jump! franchisee? Do you want to ensure you are doing the right thing by your teachers? Please fill out this form to have one of our organisers contact you. Source: https://www.theage.com.au/business/small-business/zero-progress-swim-schools-say-they-have-been-left-high-and-dry-by-franchisor-jump-20181220-p50ngo.html

HEAT WARNING

The SIA alerts all members and employers to the dangers of working in the extreme heat predicted for the coming days.

IF YOUR WORKPLACE IS HEAT AFFECTED CONTACT YOUR AWU DELEGATE, HSR OR ORGANISER TO MAKE SURE SAFETY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE TO DEAL WITH THE HIGH TEMPERATURES.

Heat illness can cause a range of problems from life-threatening heat-stroke, through to exhaustion, cramps, fatigue and rashes. Nausea, dizziness or weakness are some of the early symptoms to watch out for. Clumsiness, collapse and convulsions can follow. If any of these symptoms are apparent, or if a pre-existing medical condition worsens, seek medical help immediately.

Workers should have access to cool water, shelter and appropriate protective clothing. Additional rest breaks should be taken as necessary and strenuous tasks should be rescheduled wherever possible.

If you have concerns speak to your HSR, your supervisor and your co-workers immediately. Contact your SIA organiser by ringing 1300 362 298 (from anywhere in Victoria for the price of a local call).

SIA Trivia Night Raises $1190 for Wye River Surf Life Saving Club.

Over 80 trivia nuts gathered last week to raise money for the Wye River SLS at the Swim Instructors Association Trivia Night. The night was a great success with $1190 raised. SIA Organiser said that it was a fantastic turnout from SIA members, friends and family, in support of a great cause. ‘More than 200 raffle tickets sold shows just how much the people there were keen to get around supporting a good cause…keeping our kids safe!’

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this successful event! Thanks to event sponsors Vorgee, Billabong, Studio 3, Now! Fitness and Well-being, Go Ride a Wave, LR Partners, Funkita, and special thanks Big4 Wye River who donated a weekend away in Wye River.