Sarah Takac APAM knew she wanted to pursue physiotherapy from year 10 onwards. 

When she discovered that aquatic physiotherapy was an option, her future became even clearer. 

Sarah’s passion for swimming and her time as a competitive swimmer revealed how valuable the role of a physiotherapist can be in shaping an athlete’s future. 

After completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Monash University in 2016, Sarah began working at a private hospital in Frankston. 

It was during this time that she decided to undertake the APA Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 1 and 2 courses. 

Once she moved to Beleura Private Hospital in Mornington, Victoria, she completed the Level 3 course as well. 

‘My managers began to take note of all the aquatic PD. There wasn’t anyone leading the aquatic programs here—in fact, the role didn’t exist. 

They created one for me, so now I’m an aquatic physio full-time, which is amazing.’ 

Sarah treats patients with orthopaedic issues, chronic pain and a variety of neurological issues, along with patients who have experienced falls or had spinal surgeries. 

‘Patients usually light up when they get in the pool but the reward of seeing patients notice their own progress is a true highlight. 

I have a patient I’ve been seeing for four years now, with a chronic progressive condition. 

When I first saw him, he was using a wheelchair. We’ve actually got him walking on a gutter frame now—for the first time in years. 

It was great to see that everything we’re doing behind the scenes is leading to significant gains.’ 

Sarah’s own professional development has enabled her to elevate her staff’s aquatic knowledge in her role as aquatic programs lead. 

‘Being able to give my whole staff professional development in regard to how to progress patient treatment appropriately in the water has been really rewarding.’ 

The popularity of Sarah’s program reveals its success. 

‘Nearly all of our groups are at full capacity. We’re now trying to find ways that we can expand, possibly by running programs outside of the hospital in external pools.’ 

Sarah’s leadership has extended beyond her workplace. After advancing her aquatic knowledge, she was approached to take on the role of chair of the Aquatic group’s Victorian committee. 

‘As chair of the Victorian committee, I’ve had to organise a lot of the professional development events this year, which has given me some leadership skills.’ 

This experience paved the way for her next challenge. In 2026, Sarah will be taking over Lilly Kochen’s role as national chair of the group. 

‘Lilly approached me personally and said she’d noticed how well I’d put together all the courses this year.

She let me know there would be opportunities for further leadership development and to attend APA conferences. The Aquatic group is very supportive so I knew I wouldn’t feel like a fish out of water.’ 

As she steps into national leadership, Sarah remains focused on one goal: ensuring that aquatic physiotherapy receives the recognition and support it deserves. 

She hopes to advocate for the importance of aquatic physiotherapy by pushing for titling and for having hydrotherapy represented in undergraduate courses. 

‘We’re trying to get the APA Level 1 course incorporated into university physiotherapy programs.’ 

Until this is achieved, Sarah encourages students who are interested in aquatic physiotherapy to undertake Part A of the Level 1 course as soon as possible. 

‘Complete the online component first to start getting a strong knowledge base in this area.’

Check out the Aquatic National Group here.