Swimming Instructor

A swimming instructor has to be confident professional, be able to deal with people of all ages and most importantly of all, has to be able to swim strongly.

Swimming instructors are required in order to help teach our children to swim and be confident and safe in the water. It is rather remarkable to note that a least one third of the population of the United Kingdom have never learned to swim; something which if they could may well potential help save their lives or the lives of others in distress around them.

Most children learn to swim when they are at school; starting in primary school and continuing the trend through secondary school.

Many schools do not have their own swimming pool and facilities so the children are normally taken to a nearby leisure facility or outdoor pool where they are taught how to swim by a professional swimming instructor.

It is important to note at this juncture that if you want your child to learn how to swim and swim well then – if you cannot teach them yourself – then you must employ the services of a swimming instructor.

Qualifications & Experience Needed

A swimming instructor will be required by law to be in possession of an A.S.A Level 2 swim teaching qualification and an up to date rescue test for Teachers and Coaches of swimming certificate. Without these they are not allowed – by law – to teach anyone to swim.

Some swimming instructors can teach pupils to swim over a lengthy period of time – for example if they are in full-time education – but can also teach in intensive courses if the child is on holiday with their parents for example. Either way the teaching should be thorough and should help to improve the child’s confidence in the water, their swimming technique including how to get out of trouble if suddenly caught in rough waters, and can also help more competent swimmers improve their existing swimming techniques.

A distinct advantage for a swimming instructor would be to have a current National Pool Lifeguard qualification, which means they have been instructed on how to save lives.

Many mother and toddler groups also want to teach their children how to swim and swimming instructors – both male and female – can instruct these groups. The idea is to familiarise children with water as babies and to build up their level of confidence for the water.

It is important to remember that all swimming instructors should be qualified and if you are in any doubt you should ask to see their certification. For the most part however these certificates should be on display principally for the purposes of insurance but also to alleviate any fears or concerns learner swimmers may have.

Finding an Instructor

If you cannot swim – or you know someone who cannot swim – you can contact your local leisure centre or municipal baths who will have details of swimming classes and the instructors who teach them. You will find that there are – as we have already mentioned – many people of varying ages who cannot swim and that there is no shame in not being able to swim.

In addition swimming is a good form of exercise as it works the muscles of the upper and lower body as well as the heart and respiratory systems.