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Being a swimming teacher isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a real difference. Whether you’re seeking a fresh start, a fulfilling side hustle, or a role that fits perfectly with your lifestyle and commitments, teaching swimming offers purpose, flexibility, and a sense of community with like-minded individuals.
What’s even more interesting is that, according to Swim England, 53% of swimming teachers previously had careers in completely different fields. So, what is it that inspires people to make the leap into this life-changing role?
Every day as a swimming teacher can bring incredible rewards – from helping children take their first splash to empowering adults to overcome their fears. Swimming teachers play a part in transforming lives, including their own. As they teach, they’re not just imparting a skill, they’re equipping people with an essential, life-saving ability, becoming a true life changer.
With 96% of swimming teachers loving their job, you might be keen to discover more about what the role entails. You can explore funded training opportunities to retrain with the Institute of Swimming by visiting the Swimming.org website below.
You can also read on for inspiring real-life stories from Mark, 50, and Sophia, 58, swimming teachers who’ve found their calling in the pool.
“When I look back on my life, this will be something I’m proud of”
Mark, 50, says: “Before I became a swimming teacher I worked long hours managing my own consultancy business and was frequently away from home. When my business partner retired, the pressure increased and I felt I was always working.
“Something needed to change so I took a break and started volunteering at my daughter’s school, helping walk the children to their school swim lessons. Throughout my life, I’ve always enjoyed swimming so, when I saw a swimming instructor role advertised, I got myself qualified.
“Teaching swimming is so rewarding and working with children with special educational needs has a special place in my heart. I really wanted to give something back to my community, whilst also finding a job that offered me a good work/life balance. It’s fantastic that I can take my children to school in the morning and always be home to put them to bed. When I look back on my life, this will be something I’m proud of.”
Mark completed the Institute of Swimming’s (IOS) funded training academy, meaning there wasn’t a financial burden to the training. The IOS currently has 200 funded training opportunities across England.
Mark explains: “The funded training is a great way to start working in aquatics, as there isn’t a financial commitment.
“Although I became a swimming teacher later in life, I now see it as my future. Teaching swimming doesn’t give you the stress and the homework other jobs can give you. You are very present at the time of delivering the class and obviously have a lot of responsibility, but it’s not something you take away with you.
“I would recommend it to anyone who wants flexibility and variety in their work and has the desire to make a difference to their community. It also suits people at different stages of lives, from young people and students, to those wanting a career change and perhaps those with caring responsibilities.”
Balancing two passions: “Local radio is about people and real-life stories, which is perhaps why I also enjoy teaching swimming”
According to research from Swim England, 74% of swimming teachers teach alongside another career. Many do so to earn extra income, while others seek to give back to their community.
Take Sophia, 58, for example. Since qualifying as a swimming teacher in 2010, she has successfully combined her career at the BBC with her passion for teaching swimming.
“Swimming has always been a big part of my life,” Sophia shares. “I’m passionate about the health and wellbeing benefits it offers, and I still aim to swim four times a week. Teaching allows me to share my knowledge and love for swimming with others.”
Sophia’s career at BBC Radio has included roles such as producer, technical operator for sports programmes, and journalist coordinator. She explains: “Local radio is about people and real-life stories, which is perhaps why I also enjoy teaching swimming. Both roles involve listening, communicating, connecting with people, and building a sense of community.”
Her journey into swimming teaching began when her children joined a local swimming club. While volunteering, a coach encouraged her to get qualified.
Now, Sophia thrives on teaching her weekly adult swimming classes, helping learners to improve their technique in a supportive and social environment. She explains: “I love creating a challenging and varied workout that makes swimming enjoyable and beneficial for everyone. We get to know each other well in my lessons, often chatting as much as we swim! Over the years, the group has become a community, even socialising outside the pool.”
What began as a leap of faith for both Mark and Sophia has blossomed into a passion and love for teaching swimming. It’s given them the opportunity to share their knowledge and inspire a lifelong love of swimming in others. They truly are life changers!
Are you ready to deep dive into a career as a swimming teacher?