1974

In 1974, the Education Department of Hong Kong once again invited Messers Kan Lyon, Mills Owen, and Albert Parish to undertake the technical work of teaching Hong Kong teachers in various aspects, including swimming, lifesaving, and training. After a series of assessments, the first batch of "Senior Swimming Teachers" was born. They were Mr. Chan Kwan-Ngok, Mr. Fung Hon-cheung, Mr. Lee Chuen-yan, Mr. Ma Ying-kin, Mr. Tsang Cho-cheong, Mr. Wong Kan-fai, Dr. Yeung Che-to, Ms. Wong Leung-chiu-ping, Ms. Ho Wun-yin and Ms. Chu Man-Ngor. The remaining candidates also obtained the qualification of swimming teacher after the examination. With the support of the Education Department and the administrative support from the Physical Education Section of the Education Department, the Hong Kong Swimming Teachers Association was established in Hong Kong on November 1, 1974, shouldering the great responsibility of swimming education in Hong Kong ever since.

1978-1984

In 1978, Ms. Wynn Ratcliffe came to Hong Kong from the UK to train a group of qualified instructors. They made significant contributions in assisting and expanding swimming opportunities for people with disabilities.
In the following year (1979), American expert Ms. Barbara M. Hegger also provided courses for Hong Kong swimming instructors specifically designed to inspire infant swimming.
In 1980, with the assistance of Honorary President Mr. Choi Kwok-ching and Honorary Advisor Dr. Shum Kit-shan, the International Swimming Teaching Seminar was successfully held in Hong Kong. This marked a new milestone for Hong Kong's swimming education, signifying its entry onto the international stage and representing a glorious chapter of cooperation between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. At the same time, Mr. David Brailsford, the representative from the UK, not only promoted the International Swimming Teachers Association but also administered swimming examinations and the certification of senior swimming teachers. From then on, the Hong Kong Swimming Teachers Association took on the additional responsibilities of training, assessing, and certifying qualified swimming teachers. In 1984, the first batch of qualified swimming teachers trained by the Hong Kong Swimming Teachers Association was all employed by various organisations to serve as coaches in government-organised swimming classes.

1990s

Presidents Miss Betty Mair, Mr. Wong Kan-fai, Ms. Wong Leung Chiu-ping, Mr. Ma Ying-kin, and Mr. Lee Chuen-yan have attended International Swimming Teachers Association conferences in the United Kingdom and France. Due to communication issues with France, the friendly relationship with the International Swimming Teachers Association was temporarily interrupted. Subsequently, with the assistance of the Swimming Teachers Association of the United Kingdom, our association has become active again in the international swimming community.

1996 International Swimming Teachers Association

In November 1996, President Miss Betty Mair, Chairman Dr. Yeung Che-to, Secretary-General Mr. Chan Po-luk, Honorary Treasurer Mr. Mak Ho-yuen, and Executive Member Mr. Yu Kim-ho travelled to the United Kingdom to attend the International Swimming Teachers Federation conference. The conference reaffirmed that the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Hong Kong were founding members of the International Swimming Teachers Federation, and appointed the Swimming Teachers Association of the United Kingdom as the main responsible institution for administrative affairs.

1997 Honorary Award

Miss Betty Mair has served as President since 1974, dedicating herself to promoting the association's affairs. In 1997, she was awarded the honorary title of Fellow. Mr. Ma Ying-kin, Mr. Wong Kan-fai, and Mrs. Wong Leung-chiu-ping were awarded the title of Permanent Vice-President in recognition of their contributions to the association.

Website established in 1997

On August 1, 1997, with the generous assistance of Mr. Chan Ming-ho, a website was established to maintain close contact with members. In recent years, the association's website has also served a significant function. Swimming-related organisations from overseas, including regions such as China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, have all monitored the association's activities through our webpage, which demonstrates how information technology can promote swimming activities. With the spirit of serving the community, the association has provided free online promotion services for members since the year 2000.

1997 International Swimming Teachers Conference

In November 1997, Hong Kong was honoured to host the International Swimming Teachers Association conference, with representatives from various regions gathering in Hong Kong. Taking this opportunity, the first Swimming Teacher Instructor Certificate Course was organised, with participants from Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. This marked that the Hong Kong Swimming Teachers Association holds a significant position in both the local swimming industry and the international swimming community.

1998 Professor Wu Hehai presented "Swimming Rules and Refereeing Methods"

In April 1998, Professor Wu Hehai, Director of the Academic Affairs Office at Guangzhou Institute of Physical Education, was invited to Hong Kong for a swimming technical exchange. During Professor Wu's visit, he delivered lectures covering topics including: an introduction to the International Swimming Federation (FINA), China's referee grading system, referee roles and positioning, competition regulations for various swimming styles, organization of competitive events, and venue equipment and facilities. The response was overwhelming with registrations far exceeding expectations, leaving some members unable to participate.

1998 Development Strategy

To more effectively develop the affairs of this association, in June 1998, the new Executive Committee held a "Workshop on Association Affairs" at the Girl Guides Association, where long-term and short-term development strategies for the association were established with satisfactory results.

The 1998 "International Swimming Teachers Association Annual Conference" was held on November 15 in the United Kingdom. Our association sent a seven-member delegation led by President Betty Mair, including Dr. Yeung Che-to, Mr. Chan Po-luk, Mr. Mak Ho-yuen, Mr. Cho Wai-sun, Mr. Chung Man-shiu, and Mr. Fung Kam-shing, to attend the 67th Annual Conference of the Swimming Teachers Association of the United Kingdom. Representatives from all countries unanimously agreed that our association would host the 1999 International Swimming Teachers Association Annual Conference and also participate in the celebration of our association's 25th anniversary.

In 1999

Our Association's 25th Anniversary

1999 Service Centre established.

After twenty-five years of dedicated effort, our association has finally responded to the requests from various sectors and established a service station on September 1, 1999. Located at Shop No. 10, G/F, Century Mall, Wan Chai Road. The location was chosen in the bustling area of Wan Chai, near Morrison Hill Swimming Pool, which is beneficial for all members to participate in our association's activities and maintain regular contact.

In 1999, the 2nd International Swimming Teachers' Technical Exchange Conference and Silver Jubilee Dinner

In November 1999, the 2nd International Swimming Teachers' Technical Exchange 

Conference was held in Hong Kong. The honorary guest of honour was Mr. Johnathan McKinley, Head of the Hong Kong Government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department, with Dr. Chin Ping, President of the Hong Kong Association of Sports Medicine and Sciences, and Mr. So Hon-kei, a clinical psychologist, delivering keynote speeches. Swimming experts from various regions, including Beijing, China, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, Chinese Taipei, and Macau, introduced their respective swimming education initiatives. As the 2nd International Swimming Teachers' Technical Exchange Conference concluded at the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Centre, hundreds of participants walked out of the venue and boarded the Ocean Nightclub Ferry. Led by Honorary President Mr. Lau Hon-wah, JP, and President Miss Betty Mair, the executive committee members cut a cake and toasted together on the dance floor, officially launching the Silver Jubilee Dinner Party. After several rounds of toasts, everyone gathered on the dance floor to dance gracefully to the beautiful music, hand in hand, filled with friendship.

At the 2nd International Swimming Teachers' Technical Exchange Conference, members of the International Swimming Teachers' Association jointly held a workshop at the YMCA Yau Ma Tei Centre, conducting a series of research and exchange activities on swimming teaching techniques. Among them, two senior swimming teachers of our association, Ms. Chan Mei Wah and Ms. Ip Lai-kuen, gave teaching demonstrations with the theme "Swimming for Fun".

1999 New Association Logo                           

The new association emblem was born to meet the needs of the new era. It was officially used at the "Silver Jubilee Celebration" on November 27, 1999.

1999 First Swimming Teacher Certificate of Chinese Taipei

Coinciding with the 2nd International Swimming Teachers' Technical Exchange Conference, the association also held the certificate presentation ceremony for various courses. In April 1999, the association's Chairman, Dr. Yeung Che-to, Secretary-General Mr. Chan Po-luk, and Training Committee Member Mr. Chung Man-shiu, travelled to Taiwan to organise the first swimming teacher certificate course for Chinese Taipei, in which thirty-nine students graduated.

1999 First Swimming Instructor Certificate Course

In June of the same year, the Association's first "Advanced Swimming Teacher Certificate Course" was held, with 35 graduates. The "First Swimming Instructor Certificate Course," jointly organised by the Hong Kong Swimming Teachers Association and the Macau Swimming Teachers Association, concluded successfully in mid-August, with 13 swimming instructors successfully certified.

 International Swimming Teacher Certificate 2000

In November 2000, a four-member delegation from our association, including President Miss Betty Mair, Chairman Dr. Yeung Che-to, Secretary-General Mr. Chan Po-luk, and Executive Committee Member Ms. Ip Lai-kuen, attended the "International Swimming Teachers Federation Conference" in the UK, successfully extending the validity of the International Swimming Teacher Certificate from three years to five years. Members holding the "International Swimming Teacher Certificate" have demonstrated significant experience and contributions in swimming instruction. Furthermore, members interested in teaching in International Swimming Teachers Federation countries or regions (such as the UK, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, and Malaysia) possess this valid certificate, granting them locally recognised international swimming teacher qualifications. By applying for membership in those countries, they can then formally teach overseas, taking a significant step forward in expanding their swimming careers.

Technical exchange with Taiwan in 2001

In April 2001, at the invitation of Chinese Taipei, Mr. Chan Po-luk and Mr. Chung Man-shiu visited Taiwan as lecture consultants for Taiwanese swimming teachers. During their visit to Taiwan, Ms. Cheung Sau-lan, Ms. Chu Woon-yee, Ms. Ip Bik-yin, and Ms. Ip Lai-kuen, executive committee members of the association, as well as Mr. Tam Wan-lam and Mr. Chow Kwok-keung, instructors of the association, also visited and exchanged swimming teaching experiences.

Hong Kong Swimming Teachers' Association Limited, 2001

At the 2001 Annual General Meeting, President Miss Betty Mair announced that the association was officially registered as "Hong Kong Swimming Teachers' Association Limited" and immediately approved the appointment of Betty Mair, Yeung Che-to, Mak Ho-yuen and Chan Po-luk as executive directors of the board.

Organized swimming teacher training courses in 2001.

In September 2001, our association, in conjunction with the Taiwan Swimming and Lifesaving Association Federation, hosted a swimming instructor training course. Our association selected fifteen senior swimming instructors to participate, while Taiwan sent eleven senior instructors to Hong Kong to teach the course. The course was intensive, and included group discussions for exchanging teaching experiences and sharing insights, from which all participants benefited greatly. This course added a new force to the swimming teaching and training work in both Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The first Medal of Merit was awarded to members in 2001.

In October 2001, the inaugural Medal of Merit was awarded to members. The officiating guests were Mrs. Lee Robinson, President of the International Swimming Teachers Federation, and Mr. Roger Millward, Secretary General. Ten individuals received the Medal of Distinguished Service, including Miss Betty Mair, Mr. Lau Hon-wah, Dr. Yeung Che-to, Mr. Cho Wai-sun, Mr. Mak Ho-yuen, Mr. Chan Po-luk, Mr. Chung Man-shiu, Mr. Fung Kam-shing, Mr. Cheung Woon-man, Mr. Lee Chuen-yan, Mr. Ho Shui-on, Mr. Chan Kwan-Ngok, and Ms. Kwan Lai-wah. These recipients have made outstanding contributions to the association's development since its founding. In addition, twenty-four members received the Medal of Merit. These recipients are senior members (over sixteen years of membership) who have consistently and actively participated in the association's work over the years, demonstrating their exceptional dedication and hard work.

Invited to give a speech in 2001

In 2001, at the invitation of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department Training Institute, our association appointed Senior Tutor Mr. Chung Man-shiu and Tutor Mr. Tam Wan-lam to give special lectures at the Training Institute. The topics were "Exploration and Guidance on the Current Advanced Swimming Courses of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department" and "Guidelines for the Coordination of General Aquatics Games and the Work of Referees," respectively. Attendees were current Level 1 and Level 2 Leisure Officers.

Specialized Courses in 2002

Our association collaborates with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) to organise professional courses, including the "Careful-Illness Patient Swimming Instructor Certificate Class," specifically designed to support the LCSD's promotion of rehabilitation swimming instruction courses for patients with chronic illnesses, and the "Parent-Child Swimming Instructor Certificate Class," aimed at promoting parent-child swimming lessons. We also hold annual refresher courses for our members' lifesaving bronze medals and adult first aid certificate courses. Furthermore, for many years, our association has been invited by the Hong Kong LCSD to serve as referees at swimming events, and our members are enthusiastic about participating in community service, taking the promotion of swimming in Hong Kong as their responsibility.

• Chairman Yeung Che-to, Vice Chairman Chung Man-shiu, Treasurer Mak Ho-yuen, and Secretary-General Chan Po-luk were awarded the association's highest honor – the title of Fellow (HKSTA).
• Tutor Cheung Sau-lan and Ip Pik-yin were awarded the Distinguished Award.
• List of recipients of the Merit Award
• List of recipients of the Long Service Award
• Send a delegation to the International Swimming Teachers Conference held in Singapore
• Dr. Yeung Che-to and Secretary-General Chan Po-luk were invited as speakers to attend the "First National Senior Swimming Instructor and Examiner Training Course" hosted by the Chinese Swimming  Association in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, and were appointed as "Chinese Senior Swimming Instructor Examiners".
• Invited as speakers at the "Second National Senior Swimming Instructor and Examiner Training Course" hosted by the Chinese Swimming Association in Beijing, Chung Man-shiu, the vice-chairman, and Mak Ho-yuen, the treasurer, were appointed as "Chinese Senior Swimming Instructor Examiners".
• The first "Pool Activity Instructor Drowning Rescue" course was held, with 61 members obtaining qualifications.
• Hosting swimming competitions in Wong Tai Sin District and Eastern District
• In collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, we are organising the "First Infant and Toddler Swimming Instructor Course".
• In collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, we are organising the "First Long-Term Patient Rehabilitation Swimming Instructor Course".
• The first "Swimming Competition Referee Training Course" was presented.

At the invitation of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, I conducted an "Employee Training Course"

• Tutor Chu Woon-Yee was awarded the Distinguished Award.
• List of recipients of the Merit Award
• List of recipients of the Long Service Award
• The first National Course for Early Childhood Swimming Teachers was hosted at the Shenzhen Swimming and Diving Hall.
• Organized by the Taiwan Swimming and Lifesaving Association for the "First Advanced Swimming Instructor Course in Taiwan"
• Chairman Yeung Che-to, Mr. Li Ka-wo, Ms. Chan Mei-wah, and Ms. Cheung Sau-lan attended the "National Children's Winter Swimming Training Camp" held in Harbin as instructors.
• The first "Swimming Teacher Certificate Refresher Course" was held.
• Hosting swimming competitions for the Southern District, Wong Tai Sin District, Hospital Authority, Kwun Tong District, and Eastern District.
• Hosting the "Far East and South Pacific International Swimming Competition for Disabled Youth".

At the invitation of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, HKSTA conducted an "Employee Training Course"

In 2005

• A 32-member delegation was sent to participate in the 2nd Golden Coast 3000-meter Long-Distance Swimming Championships in Tainan, Taiwan.
• A "Chief Tutor" position was established to oversee and manage all courses. Senior Tutor Chan Po-Luk was appointed as the first "Chief Tutor".
• Chairman Yeung Che-to was invited to attend the "First China International Drowning Prevention Symposium" and delivered a report.
• Vice Chairman Chung Man-shiu was invited to attend the "First Taiwan Swimming Teacher Examiner Refresher Course" and delivered a report.
• The first "Aquatic Health and Wellness Instructor Course" was held, led by British expert Ms. Natellie Sidwel. A total of 43 swimming instructors were awarded Aquacise certificates from the British Swimming Teachers Association.
• The inaugural Hong Kong Swimming Teachers' Continuing Education Course was held. The course took place at the Guangzhou PLA Military Sports Training Base, and base officials and professors were invited to deliver presentations.
• In collaboration with the Hong Kong Lutheran Church Sha Tin Elderly Integrated Service Centre, we organised an "Aquatic Functional Training Course".
• Hosting the Yuen Long District, Tsuen Wan District, Wong Tai Sin District, Tai Po District, Kowloon City District, Eastern District, Hospital Authority and Sham Shui Po District Water Sports Associations

In 2006

• Ms. Mak Yee Ho Chi has been appointed as the Association's "Permanent Supervisor".
• Hosting the swimming events at the 2006 World Firefighters Games
• An 11-member delegation was sent to the 8th International Swimming Teachers' Federation International Conference held in the UK, where Chief Tutor Chan Po-luk was invited to deliver a report.
• The inaugural Hong Kong 3000m Safe Long-Distance Swimming Event attracted over 200 participants.
• Presiding over the Islands District, Tai Po District, Tsuen Wan District, Kowloon City District, Eastern District, Yuen Long District, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, and Wan Chai District Water Sports Council

In 2007 

• Our service centre has moved to 3A Leighton Road, Causeway Bay.
• List of recipients of the Long Service Award
• The "2nd Hong Kong 3000m Safe Long-Distance Swimming Event" attracted over 300 participants.

Presiding over the Wan Chai District, Southern District, Islands District, Kowloon City District, Wong Tai Sin District, Hospital Authority, Tai Po District, Eastern District, Yuen Long District and Kwun Tong District Water Sports Councils

In 2008

• Mr. Yip Chi-on was awarded the Merit Award.
• Mr. Cheung Tak-chung has been invited to serve as the "Supervisor" of this association.
• 39 members were awarded the "International Swimming Instructor Certificate".
• The "3rd Hong Kong 3000m Safe Long-Distance Swimming Event" was held, with over 400 participants.
• British expert Ms. Irene Joyce was invited to Hong Kong to train "Swimming Instructor for People with Special Needs" to serve people with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities. A total of 52 members completed the training and were awarded certificates.
• In the same year, Chairman Dr. Yeung Che-to was elected as the President of IFSTA Asia Pacific, serving a two-year term.

In 2009

The 35th anniversary of our association

Thirty-three representatives from Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Ireland, Macau, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom attended the 35th anniversary celebration of the association and held the IFSTA Board of Directors meeting in Hong Kong.

In 2010

Secretary-General and Chief Tutor Academician Chan Po-luk was elected President of the International Swimming Teachers Federation in The Hague, Netherlands.

In 2011

Chairman Dr. Yeung Che-to expedited the signing of a mutual recognition and cooperation agreement between IFSTA (International Federation of Swimming Teachers) and ILS (International Lifesaving Federation) to jointly promote international drowning prevention efforts.

Chairman Dr. Yeung Che-to attended the International Swimming Teachers Federation Annual Meeting in Hai Nang, Vietnam.

In the same year, the Hong Kong Swimming Teachers' Association appointed several "Water Safety Ambassadors" to visit primary and secondary schools to promote water safety knowledge. This has since become a regular service of the Association, with over 40,000 students participating.

In 2012

Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Lifesaving Association discussed designating May 1st of each year as "Hong Kong Water Safety Day" to promote the concept of "swimming and lifesaving for all." The two associations received support from several government departments in Repulse Bay and held a sea and air rescue demonstration to celebrate the "first Hong Kong Water Safety Day."

To promote exchange among IFSTA member countries and improve swimming instruction standards, Dr. Lin Fu-po, a tutor from our association, was invited as a keynote speaker to attend a seminar held in Hong Kong by the Australian Swimming Teachers Association.

Secretary-General and Chief Tutor Academician Chan Po-luk was appointed as the "Honorary Permanent Supervisor of the International Swimming Teachers Federation" in Atlanta, Australia, in recognition of his achievements in raising the level of international swimming instruction.

In 2013

Our association held its first "Advanced Swimming Teacher Diploma Course", and a total of 27 members were promoted to "Advanced Swimming Teachers".

In the same year, the "First Aquatic Fitness Competition" was successfully held and plans were made to promote it as an annual event.

Chairman Yeung Che-to and Secretary-General Chan Po-luk attended the "Fourth World Conference on Drowning Prevention" held in Potsdam, Germany, which featured a special session on "Swimming Instruction" for the first time.

Our association is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The “2014 International Swimming Teachers Conference” was successfully held from April 30 to May 4. Representatives from Australia, Denmark, Finland, Kenya, Ireland, South Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, China, and Macau attended the conference, along with nearly 300 swimming teachers from Hong Kong.

On May 3, 2014, the 40th Anniversary Dinner was held at the Regal Riverside Hotel in Sha Tin, with more than 400 guests and members in attendance. It was an honor that the Lifetime President, Ms. Betty Mair, even travelled all the way from Australia to Hong Kong to host the event!

Since its founding, the Hong Kong Swimming Teachers Association has trained 2,407 professional swimming teachers for Hong Kong as of March this year, including 4 academicians, 85 senior swimming teachers, and 23 tutor-level swimming instructors.

Our association is deeply grateful to the representatives from various countries of the International Swimming Teachers Federation for attending the 40th anniversary celebration and congratulates our association on reaching new heights.