Swimming Teacher/ Coach
What is the work like?
Swimming teachers give instruction in swimming skills and techniques, and exercise in water (Aquacise), to people of all ages and abilities. Swimming coaches train competitive swimmers.
As a swimming teacher or coach you would:
- teach or coach on a one-to-one, small group or larger group basis
- identify participants’ abilities
- plan and deliver sessions appropriate to the level of swimmer
- make sure safety standards are followed in all sessions
- check that life-saving equipment is in working order
- provide explanations and demonstrations
- set ground rules for each session
- correct faults in swimming techniques and identify ways to improve performance
- evaluate sessions and give feedback
- organise and supervise assistants and helpers.
You may also need to deal with minor injuries and accidents.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can qualify as a swimming teacher by completing qualifications awarded by:
- the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), or
- the Swimming Teachers Association (STA).
The ASA also awards swimming coaching qualifications.
The ASA, which is the national governing body for swimming, has developed new swimming teaching and coaching qualifications in line with the UK Coaching Certificate (link opens in new window). This is a nationally recognised standard for coach and teacher education.
You would start with the ASA/UKCC Level 1 Certificate in Swimming Teaching or Swimming Coaching, which would qualify you to support more senior, fully-qualified teachers or coaches.
Before you could work on your own without supervision you would then need to complete:
- ASA/UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Swimming Teaching, or
- ASA/UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Swimming Coaching (Swimming, Synchronised Swimming, Diving or Water Polo).
Visit the ASA website for details of qualifications and centres offering training.
Alternatively, you can qualify as a swimming teacher by doing STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher Certificates. See the STA website for full details.
To work with children or other vulnerable people you will need to have clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau (link opens in new window).
What further training and development can I do?
Once you have the ASA/UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Swimming Coaching you can qualify as a senior coach by completing the ASA/UKCC Level 3 Certificate in Swimming Coaching. Level 4 and 5 qualifications in coaching are expected to be available in 2008 and 2009.
The ASA/UKCC Level 3 Certificate in Swimming Teaching, which will qualify you as a senior teacher, will be available in April 2008.
An alternative way to develop your career would be to complete the ASA Level 3 Certificate for the Development and Management of Swimming Programmes. This will qualify you to develop and deliver swimming programmes for organisations such as local education authorities, private leisure providers and swimming clubs.
You can keep your skills up to date and develop your knowledge by attending seminars and short courses in subjects such as child protection.
See the ASA website for more details on their range of courses and opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD).
Where can I go for more information?
18 Derby SquareLoughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 5AL
Tel: 01509 618700
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
Birch Street
Walsall
West Midlands
WS2 8HZ
Tel: 01922 645097
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Most swimming teachers and coaches work part-time and are paid an hourly rate. Rates can between £10 and £28 an hour.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a swimming teacher or coach you would often work evenings and weekends. If you are involved with training competitive swimmers you would need to attend training sessions and competitions, which often includes long working hours and a large amount of travel. Many swimming teachers and coaches work part-time.
You could work in a variety of places, including schools, health centres, private health clubs and swimming clubs.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- enthusiasm, interest and ability in swimming
- good spoken communication skills
- the ability to inspire confidence and motivate swimmers
- perseverance and patience
- good organisational skills
- the ability to encourage people and put them at ease.
What opportunities are there?
Employers include local authorities, outdoor pursuits centres, large sports clubs and sports centres. You are likely to find more part-time than full-time work. Professional sports coaching is very competitive, and you will be judged by the success of the individuals or teams you coach.
With experience, you could progress to becoming a swimming development officer, perhaps with a local authority.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Leisure Jobs
Leisure Opportunities
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