Are you ready to become a Swimming Teacher?

The role of a swimming teacher goes beyond merely instructing water techniques; it involves fostering a supportive and engaging environment where young swimmers can thrive. Here are some key aspects of this important role:

1. Passion for Swimming: You don’t have to be a pro to teach, but a swimming teacher should embody enthusiasm for the sport, which can be contagious. When students see their teacher’s love for swimming, it can inspire them to develop their skills and love for the activity.
2. Expertise in Techniques: Knowledge of proper swimming techniques is crucial. A good teacher understands the mechanics of different strokes, safety protocols, and how to tailor lessons for various skill levels. This expertise helps students progress efficiently and safely.
3. Building Confidence: Many young swimmers may be apprehensive or lack confidence in the water. A swimming teacher plays a key role in helping them overcome fears by providing encouragement, celebrating achievements, and creating a nurturing atmosphere where mistakes are viewed as part of the learning process.
4. Creating a Fun Environment: Incorporating games and playful activities into lessons can make swimming enjoyable. This approach not only enhances skill development but also keeps students engaged and motivated to learn.
5. Individualised Attention: Recognizing that each swimmer is unique is essential. A good teacher observes and understands the needs of each student, adapting instruction to ensure everyone feels supported and challenged appropriately.
6. Safety First: Ensuring the safety of all swimmers is paramount. A swimming teacher must be vigilant, teaching and enforcing water safety rules, and equipping students with the skills to recognize hazards.
7. Continuous Learning: A passionate swimming teacher also commits to their professional development, staying updated on the latest swimming techniques, teaching strategies, and safety protocols to provide the best instruction possible.

By embodying these qualities, a swimming teacher can make a significant impact on their young swimmers, instilling a love for swimming that can last a lifetime and laying the foundation for their development both in and out of the water.

Course content.

The course is delivered through a mixture of online learning, classroom activities and practical poolside learning. You will participate in at least six 30-minute swimming lessons to gain hands on practical experience.

The course topics include:

• The responsibilities and role of a swimming teacher
• How the scientific principles of swimming impact on development
• How to develop core aquatic skills and the four strokes
• How to identify and correct common swimming faults
• How to use a variety of teaching techniques and equipment to suit different needs
• How to plan and deliver inclusive lessons for different levels of ability, including adaptations for swimmers with special educational needs and disabilities
• Key teaching and management skills including class management and assessment, organisational skills, behaviour management, communication skills, and teaching methods
• National curriculum swimming lessons and how they differ from learn to swim lessons

The assessment for the course includes work being completed using google classroom. You will have to meet the Swim England Qualification requirements for each assessment. Your tutor/assessor will work with you to guide you every step of the way.

Theoretical Questions

2x Overview of a Series of Lessons

6x Lesson plans

1x Self Evaluation

1x Professional Development Plan

The practical assessment is where you demonstrate all your new found knowledge, with confidence in a supportive environment. You will deliver your lesson plans to a range of ability swimmers from stage 1 through to stage 7. You will be given plenty of guidance throughout the practical to ensure you really enjoy your first teaching experiences.