In Australia, learning to swim is not just a rite of passage, it’s a necessary skill. But what should you look for in a swimming teacher? One of the legends of the sport offers some valuable advice.

Ryker Gardner (left), 8, waits as Haylee Turner, 7, jumps in near swim instructor Alexis Fraundorfer during "Learn to Swim" lessons at Prospect Pool on Wednesday morning. Mirror photo by Linden ...

A group of 5- and 6-year-olds used all their strength and skills to splash their beloved swim instructor, Cheryl Waites, as she laughed and teased the kids to splash harder. Waites was one of the ...