Ken Richter and Connor 1 of 13 grand kids.



Ken Richter has been recognised nationally as an expert in the area of Swimming and Water Safety and the establishment of safe water activity programs for children of all ages. For many years he has been the major lecturer for AUSTSWIM, training thousands of South Australian’s as swimming teachers. For 24 years, Ken Richter managed the Education Department’s Swimming and Aquatic programs, which involved programs in pools, lakes and rivers, and beach sites around our coast.

Having successfully conducted swimming and aquatic programs throughout the State for thousands of young children, he took a separation package from the Public Service in December 1994. He has now established S.A. SWIM SCHOOLS that provide programs to continue his teaching philosophies that have been so successful over the past 25 years.

At present, S.A SWIM SCHOOLS conducts programs at the Woodville Spastic Centre Pool and the Minda Pool. 


Qualifications & Experience

Diploma in Teaching, specialising in Human Movement Studies.

Fellow of The Royal Life Saving Society.

Fellow of The Australian Council for the Teaching of Swimming and Water Safety.

Life Member of AUSTSWIM.

Life Member of The Royal Life Saving Society.

Life Member of The National Safety Council of Australia (S.A.)

Citation and Distinguished Service Medal from Red Cross for Services to First Aid Training.

Member of AUSTSWIM National Executive (1980-2000)

National Secretary of AUSTSWIM (1988 -2000)

Chairman of AUSTSWIM (S.A) (1980 - 2000)

Chairman of Red Cross Health and Safety Services Committee (1978 -1996)

Chairman of National Safety Council of Australia (S.A.), Water Safety Advisory Committee (1972-1992)

Member of Red Cross State Executive (1984 -1996)

A regular member of State Government “ad hoc” committees relating to swimming, aquatics and safety.

A member of the Australian Standards Committees on “Life Jackets and Buoyancy Vests” and “Children’s Swimming Aids”

Chairman of the National Safety Council (SA) Committee developing, “Guidelines for the Operation of Public Swimming Pools and Aquatic Centres”.

Practical Experience

Conducted the state-wide annual “Learn to Swim” Campaign for 40,000 children for 22 years.

Conducted Term Time Swimming programs for children in Government and Non-Government Schools for 25 years in South Australia.

Developed and conducted a State-wide Aquatics Program for students in Years 6 – 12, which offered activities in sailing, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, board sailing, rowing, small boat handling and snorkelling.

Managed a special Surf Safety program for thousands of school students in collaboration with the Surf Life Saving Association since 1985.

Was responsible for 100 Education Department swimming pools advising on all aspects of design, pool operation, management and safety.

Managed the First Aid for Teachers Program for all South Australian schools.

Was chief lecturer for The Australian Council for the Teaching of Swimming and Water Safety (AUSTSWIM SA) until December 2006.

Trained over 7,000 swimming instructors in S.A. since 1980.

Career Summary

1995 - Principal, Ken Richter and Associates.

Director, S.A. Swim Schools.

1994 Took Voluntary Separation Package from S.A Government.

1971 - 1994 Manager, Swimming and Aquatic Unit of the Education Department.

1970 - 1971 Teaching in S.A. Schools.

1969 Teaching in Toronto, Canada.

1967 - 68 Principal of a Special School in London, England.

1960 - 1966 Teaching in South Australia