FAQS
Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Please contact us if you need more information.
Tell me about your courses
All of our courses follow international standards and guidelines in teaching water safety and swimming, adopting the latest methods, professional knowledge and development.
Our comprehensive courses include theory and practical components to suit your timetable.
When and where can I start?
You can start anytime, anywhere.
Do I need to be a great swimmer to be a fantastic swimming teacher?
No, swimming and teaching are two different skills. Swimming teaching starts with water safety and confidence for children and adults. You can then develop your swimming and teaching skills further to specialise in other areas, like teaching parents and babies, advanced strokes, adults and athletes.
Am I eligible? What do I need to enrol?
This depends on the course that you are going to undertake.
*To complete the course, you will need:
1.Be 17 years of age or older.
2.Access to internet and computer, smart phone or tablet.
3.Ability to swim a minimum of 2 of the 4 recognised strokes – freestyle (front crawl), breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly*
*If you are not confident in your swimming technique, you can undertake swim training prior to completing your course with one of our members or with someone of your choice.
What is involved in the training?
You will have access to your own training hub online with video demonstrations, timeline and all the information you need to get started.
You will have your own trainer to guide you to assist you in gaining practical work experience.
You will need to gain practical experience, observing and assisting a qualified swim teacher, and finally, conducting your own classes as part of your volunteer experience.
I can swim, but I have never done competition swimming. Does that matter?
Teaching swimming and water safety is about sharing knowledge and developing skills. You are able to teach to the level you are comfortable; and specialise in different skills, populations and age groups.
Why do I need a police check?
It is an International Standard for swimming teachers to provide evidence of their eligibility to work safely with children and in the community. This builds trust, respect and professionalism. To be one of our members, you do need to supply evidence of a police check, or working with children card, this is to ensure the safety of students, confidence of parents and your customers.
Why do I need a first aid certificate?
This is a professional requirement and International Standard for the safety of your students.
I am already a swimming teacher, can I join?
Yes. Professional Memberships are for qualified and experienced swimming teachers. To be a Professional Member please contact us for more information. You will need:
- A copy of your Swimming Teacher Certificate (translated into English if necessary), so that it can be compared to qualifications and an appropriate membership granted.
- A working with children/police check.
- Hold up to date First Aid Certificate (CPR).
- Once your application fee has been paid and evidence assessed, our customer service team will contact you with the outcome of your application. Please [contact] us now.
What are the age requirements?
You will need to be 16 years old before you can train to become a Swimming Teacher. You are never too old to start this rewarding work – many aquatics teachers are semi-retired and mature age.
Being a Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety is valuable and rewarding. This is extremely popular as a new career, a part time job or to add to your existing teaching qualifications or skill set.
What kinds of jobs are there in teaching swimming?
• Teaching pre-school. infant aquatics, adults and swimmers with a disability
• Coaching
• Mentoring other teachers
• Lifeguarding
You could work in a school, for yourself, at a sports centre or in a resort. A range or mix of qualifications and experience will further assist Trained & Experienced Instructors to gain employment. Swimming is in demand all year round
What about the volunteer hours and on the job training?
On the job experience will provide the Trainee with the skill and the final link to gain Accreditation to deliver learn to swim and water safety education independent of any supervision.
How long will it take? Can I do it part time?
With our training system in place for you, we can train you to be an instructor in a very fast pace. With our online training system, you can start and complete components of the course at times that suit you. You have 12 months to complete your course. You will need practical experience and placement to put that theory and observations into practice, which we help to arrange so that you can get first hand experience.
Swim International Members
Our Members form a professional group of vetted, certified, experienced teachers and coaches from all around the world. We welcome new members who have proven their dedication to being outstanding teachers by completing any of our courses. This gives you access to work opportunities, professional development and career advancement.
Becoming a Member of Swim International ensures employers, parents and students that you are:
- A Professional with current qualifications and experience
- Have up to date professional memberships
- Have police clearance and suitability to be trusted to work with children
- Have current CPR & 1ST Aid qualifications
- Have access to the latest information, training, lesson plans.
- Continually strive to improve your skills through ongoing Professional Development.