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Australian Swim School Coach Arrested On Online Child Grooming Charges

A swim coach in Australia who is also a high school teacher and aspiring politician has been charged with sexually grooming a teenage boy online.

Craig Chantler, 42, was arrested on April 29 during morning practice at the Swimmerz Academy swim school in Caringbah, Australia following an investigation into allegations that a 15-year-old boy had been sexually groomed on social media.

Chantler was then taken to Sutherland Police Station and charged with procuring a child for unlawful sexual activity, and using a carriage service to procure a person under 16 years for sexual activity, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Police will allege that Chantler communicated over the phone with the teen between the dates of April 21 and April 25 “with the intention of procuring (the child) to engage in sexual activity with him”.

Chantler has yet to enter plea charges, and was granted strict conditional bail to live at a nominated residence, report to police daily and abide by an 8 pm – 7 am curfew, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The conditions of the bail also ban Chantler from accessing any social media sites, contacting anyone under the age of 18, attending public pools, and he also cannot be involved with the Scouts, the NSW Rural Fire Service, or the youth-focused Duke of Edinburgh Award program—three programs he was believed to be an active member in prior to his arrest.

He even received a community award in 2017 from former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his dedication to the Scouts, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Chantler was previously employed as a physical education teacher at Cronulla High School, and also ran for a seat on the Sutherland Shire Council in 2021.

According to the Telegraph, the Swimmerz Academy indicated Chantler was no longer employed there on Friday, and he was placed on “alternative duties” at Cronulla High School while the charges are active.

Chantler has been excused from attending court when the matter is listed for mention on Thursday.

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Real
2 years ago

retired Australian swim coach has been charged for allegedly sexually abusing teenage women that he educated over 40 years in the past.

Real
2 years ago

15-year-old boy who levelled child grooming allegations against Cronulla swim coach and high school teacher Craig Chantler has accused two other men of the same alleged crime.

Sounds suspicious

Denise
2 years ago

Be sure to clear his name and this article when this is all said and done. #freecraig

My kids have been taught by Craig for years he is a good man and a great coach. Sad to see him name dragged through the mud

David
2 years ago

This swim coach has dedicated his whole life in service of others. He has given countless hours to the swimming community and families.

If you know him you will know that this is a lie!

The allegations are just that, allegations… he is an upstanding citizen. There is no trial or charges at this point.

Don’t ruin his life with publishing this crap before knowing the facts.

gfg
Reply to  David
2 years ago

I was taught by him as a student. He was always creepy and touchy with male students. No one from Cronulla High School is too surprised by this.
It also makes sense that a predator would dedicate himself to environments in which he would be in constant contact with children.

Skip
2 years ago

This has been reported widely in australian media. Swim Swam has a responsibilty to report this to the wider swimming community.

Free Craig Chantler
2 years ago

Craig is not guilty. #FreeOurMan

craig chantler
2 years ago

nah bro

Last edited 2 years ago by craig chantler
Stop Ruining Lives
2 years ago

Poor form, this matter has yet to go to court. You have unnecessarily ruined the reputation of this selfless swim coach that has given so much to the swimming community.
Before people are quick to judge, get the facts. If you know him, you will know this is something he would NEVER ever do.

craig
Reply to  Stop Ruining Lives
2 years ago

ong

BearlyBreathing
Reply to  Stop Ruining Lives
2 years ago

>You have unnecessarily ruined the reputation of this selfless swim coach that has given so much to the swimming community.
Who is “You”? Reporting on arrests and pending legal actions is part of the function of journalists.
The article clearly states he was charged and not convicted. He’ll have his day in court.
Maybe you meant the accuser? We shall see. I’m sure SS will update us as the court case progresses.

RISwim
Reply to  BearlyBreathing
2 years ago

That person is obviously making a ridiculous argument but it’s somewhat valid relevant to Swimswam given that they seem to pick and choose when to report on pending legal actions involving coaches. I doubt one of Mel or Braden’s friends would get an article like this if they got charged with a felony.

eric
Reply to  RISwim
2 years ago

still waiting on a Trenton Julian update…

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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