Any swim teachers around?

[FredAgain]

I've always wanted to teach DC to swim, and I've just seen a course come up that I could do, plus I also saw a local advert for swim teachers.

From what I can see I would need to do the SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) course, and then move onto the second level before I could apply for roles?

I'm mid 50's but super fit as I do half marathons and I used to be a yoga teacher. Not sure if that is relevant. I'm really passionate about fitness, and education and I think I would be good at this.

I already work P/T and would like to do it on top of this, although I would like to cut back on my 1st job and migrate more hours to teaching swimming if it works out.

Any swim teachers around and care to share your thoughts on the role?

My mum became a swimming teacher in her 50’s. Similar to you she loves fitness. She still teaches now in her 70’s and I think it’s brilliant for her. I hope you go for it!

Thank you, I think I am. There's a course coming up in a few weeks.
Well done your mum X

With the level 1 you can be a swim assistant. Dd works as a swim teacher and has an assistant for all her lessons. You might find an operator would find the level 2, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the level 1.

Perhaps a silly point, but can you swim? Dd says she spots a real difference amongst her colleagues are are decent swimmers and those that are not. I’m not sure if it’s essential criteria tho.

Yes, I am a good swimmer. I used to swim for my school years ago, and I regularly swim a mile now at our leisure centre. I taught my own DC to swim from a very early age and then I encouraged them to join our local swim club and they swam for our town. I not only see it as a life skill, but also something that builds confidence and its social too.

WRT being an assistant. After getting level 1, are there generally opportunities to gain experience as an assistant? I'm happy to do that unpaid. I don't want to do level 1, then find it hard to get experience.

I think you’d be a great swim teacher then!

Yes, dd works for everyone active and they employ swim assistants to support the teachers. Dd was a lifeguard, then we paid for her to the the level 1 and she got a job as an assistant and then work paid for the level 2 and now she teaches.

is there an everyone active near you? Perhaps ask. Dd has worked for the local council pool and also at a private school, she’s only had an assistant at everyone active

Swimming teachers
Waiting staff
Not singular!

Yes, I appreciate Pedan't Corner is over there 👉!

I feel sorry for pedants. They obviously have no friends or hobbies.

Oh, please don't. We are very happy and have many friends. But hobbies... meh!

https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/ or talk you our local swimming pool.

Do they have to work every weekend? I have another job that requires every other Saturday at the moment. I’m looking to bin that off, but there may be some overlap whilst I get my self set up.

Our local leisure centre has paid for DS (16) to do SEQ Level 1+2. He has signed a contract to work min 3 hours per week for 2 years (or needs to pay back course fees on a sliding scale according to time worked).
It's a great qualification to have and certainly wasn't onerous in terms of study time and content.
Apparently there is a national shortage of qualified swim teachers and assistants so check with your local leisure centre / council as they may be running similarly sponsored schemes.

DS currently works 3 hours mid week so isn't tied to weekends.

Thank you. There’s a local vacancy that asks for level 2, but will take level 1 and get you through level 2. I’m just waiting on confirmation of time off to go on the course.

Like I said, I’ve got a job where I have to work weekends, but want to migrate over to something else so can’t just drop it instantly.

You are all so helpful, thank you. I don’t have much support in real life and I think I’m really lucky to be able to put up questions on here and get help.

My dd learned to swim with a lady in her 60s who just taught the 7am to 9am slot on a Saturday, she was fab. I think it’s pretty flexible! It does tend to run all year not just term time, in case you were hoping for long holidays.