Toowoomba Swim Teacher Wins State Award

Darren Lange Swimming Academy learn-to-swim instructor, Charlene Copland, has been awarded the highest accolade in the industry, being named the 2022 Learn to Swim Teacher of the Year (Qld).

The award, from Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia (formerly Swim Australia), recognises significant and outstanding experience, knowledge and implementation in the learn to swim industry. DLSA managing director, Darren Lange, said the award was well-deserved and a tremendous recognition for ‘Ms Charlene’.

Charlene is a fantastic water safety teacher who has dedicated more than a decade to guiding infants, toddlers and children along their water safety journey,” Mr Lange said. Charlene puts her heart and soul into her work, and we couldn’t be more excited for her winning this award.”

Charlene, who started her journey with the DLSA as a customer and parent, said it was a huge privilege to be awarded the Learn to Swim Teacher of the Year. There are so many deserving and talented teachers in this industry, and I feel honored for the reward and recognition of my dedication and hard work that I have put into my career,” Ms Copland said.

Seeing her students grow in confidence while learning a valuable life skill is what drives Charlene at work every day. Australians love swimming and water activities, but every year we see multiple drowning tragedies that could be prevented,” Ms Copland said. Drownings are rising which is alarming. Having children in swimming lessons not only helps build confidence while gaining a physical skill, it could, more importantly, one day save a life.”

Mr Lange, former Commonwealth Games Gold and Silver Medalist, and Olympian,  said Ms Charlene brings a wealth of experience to her role, not only as a Learn-to Swim teacher, but as a DLSA teacher trainer. Charlene brings passion and her knowledge to a new generation of DLSA swimming teachers.”

Ms Copland said of the DLSA team I work with such an amazing team at DLSA. The examples of leadership and dedication comes from the top – right from management and extends through to the whole team. The support and encouragement we receive is amazing and helps us strive to be the best we can be.”

Teaching babies as young as three months old right through to teenagers is a wonderful privilege and I am blessed to be part of their journey. Thank you to all my families, this award is dedicated to you.”

Submitted by:
Darren Lange
DLSA Managing Director