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Swimming is one of the most important life skills. It can keep us safe and provide many joyful experiences – from swimming lengths at our local pool to taking a dip in the sea.
So, if you’re looking for a career change in later life, why not consider becoming a swimming teacher? Passing this vital skill on to others – whether it’s children taking their first strokes or adults overcoming their fears – can be very rewarding. Plus, it’s ideal for older adults looking for a flexible role that allows them to use their skills and life experience in a new way.
What’s more, while you’ll need to be happy in the water, you don’t have to be an expert swimmer to become a swimming teacher. And the path to getting qualified might be simpler than you think.
With this in mind, we’ve partnered with the Institute of Swimming* – who provide swimming teacher qualifications across England – to bring you this guide to becoming a swimming teacher.
What do swimming teachers do?
As a swimming teacher, you’ll spend most of your time…
- Planning and delivering lessons for a range of ages and abilities. You’ll be teaching and helping your students develop core aquatic strokes and skills, such as breathing and buoyancy.
You may be teaching one-on-one, in groups, or a combination of both at venues like swim schools and leisure centres. - Prioritising safety and legal compliance. This will involve upholding safety standards and carrying out risk assessments.
- Promote lifelong aquatic participation. Successful swimming teachers don’t just teach technique but also create a positive learning environment that encourages a passion for swimming and physical activity.
What skills do I need to become a swimming teacher?
As we’ve mentioned, you don’t have to be an expert swimmer to become a swimming teacher. And aside from gaining a few qualifications (which we’ll explain below), there are some skills and qualities that will help you succeed in this role.
These include…
- The ability to work independently
- Time management skills
- Leadership skills – for example, supervising swimming assistants and utilising positive behaviour strategies to make sure lessons run smoothly
- Excellent verbal communication skills – to explain exercises and techniques to your students
- Patience and empathy – some students may take longer to grasp things than others, and it’s important to make sure they feel supported and encouraged
- Creativity – to come up with new ways to keep your students engaged
- An enthusiasm towards swimming – so you can share your passion with your students
What will I love about being a swimming teacher?
There are many reasons to consider becoming a swimming teacher in later life. For example…
It’s flexible
As a swimming teacher, you can typically choose your hours. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking for something that fits around other commitments – like a second job or caring responsibilities.
As Mark, 50, who became a swimming teacher with the Institute of Swimming, tells us, “Teaching swimming doesn’t give you the stress and the homework other jobs can […] 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.”
Every day is different
From teaching different ages and abilities to trying out new lesson plans, no two days are the same when you’re a swimming teacher.
As swimming teacher Lisa explains*, “This job never gets boring as I’m always learning or trying something new.”
You can connect with other generations
Becoming a swimming teacher allows you to forge bonds with people of all ages. Intergenerational activities can benefit mental health – for example, by improving self-esteem and fostering a sense of community.
It’s rewarding
The satisfaction of helping others gain confidence and lifesaving skills is certainly one of the best things about being a swimming teacher.
As Christy, who teaches children’s swimming classes, explains*, “I don’t think there is anything more rewarding than watching a child thrive and achieve in life […] Add water into that and I had found my perfect job.”
What are the challenges of being a swimming teacher?
There are plenty of reasons why you might enjoy being a swimming instructor. But there are also a few challenges to consider before you choose it as a career.
For example…
- Some students may display challenging behaviour – this can be especially true in children’s classes. You’ll need to use your empathy and leadership skills to manage this when it arises.
- You might have to work evenings and weekends – while swimming teacher hours are generally flexible, most lessons take place outside of school and work hours. This might not be suitable for some people.
- You’re responsible for your students’ safety – as a swimming teacher, it’s up to you to make sure that all safety standards are followed. While this is a big responsibility, you’ll learn how to properly keep your students safe during your qualification courses.
How much can I earn as a swimming teacher?
Swimming teachers are usually paid by the hour, and how much you’ll receive will depend on various factors – such as your employer and qualification level.
The Institute of Swimming tells us* that the average pay for a Level 2 Swimming Teacher is around £16.50 an hour. However, there are opportunities to earn more. For example, Careers in Aquatics states that the average hourly pay rate for a Level 3 Swim Coordinator at a swimming club is £19.91.
Check out this comprehensive salary breakdown from Careers in Aquatics to find out more.
Are there opportunities to progress as a swimming teacher?
Once you’re qualified as a swimming teacher, there are plenty of career progression options. For example, you could become a swim coordinator who manages other swim teachers and oversees swimming programmes.
If you’re not interested in a management role, you could take extra qualifications that’ll allow you to teach babies and pre-schoolers or people with disabilities. Perhaps you’d like to train the next generation of swimming teachers as a tutor or work abroad at a resort (the Institute of Swimming’s qualifications are recognised internationally).
Alternatively, if you want to become your own boss, why not set up a business, offering one-to-one lessons and/or employing other staff?
How do I get started as a swimming teacher?
How to become a swimming teacher in the UK differs slightly depending on where you live. In England, for example, there are two main pathways. You can either take qualification courses or complete an apprenticeship.
Qualification courses
This route involves taking two teaching qualifications, which are often flexible and can fit around other commitments. If you choose to train with the Institute of Swimming, your qualifications will be awarded by Swim England Qualifications (SEQ), part of the national governing body for swimming. These qualifications are…
- SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching)* – which teaches you the basics of swimming teaching. Once you’re finished, you’ll be qualified as a swimming assistant and can support a swimming teacher in delivering lessons.
- SEQ Level 2 Teaching Swimming* – which develops your skills and knowledge, teaching you how to prepare, deliver, and evaluate swimming lessons on your own. Once you’re finished, you’ll be a qualified swimming teacher.
The Institute of Swimming recommends getting at least three months of experience as a swimming assistant before moving on to your SEQ Level 2 Teaching Swimming qualification. Once you’ve completed this, you can upskill with other courses – such as their SEQ Level 2 Teaching Swimming to Babies and Toddlers course* or SEQ Level 3 Swim Coordinator programme*.
Use the button below to find out more about the Institute of Swimming’s courses.
Apprenticeship
Alternatively, you can become a swimming teacher by doing a Leisure Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship*. This will allow you to achieve an SEQ Level 2 Teaching Swimming qualification or an equivalent, plus a Level 2 Certificate in Fitness or Gym Instruction and a Level 3 certificate in First Aid.
To qualify for this apprenticeship, you’ll typically need some GCSEs or equivalent qualifications – including English and Maths.
You can find out more about apprenticeships and how to apply on the Institute of Swimming website below.
What if I live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?
If you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland and would like to become a swimming teacher, you’ll generally take similar qualifications.
You can find out more about these on the Scottish Swimming, Swim Wales, and Swim Ireland websites.
Are there financing options for swimming teacher training?
If you’re interested in becoming a swimming teacher but are concerned about the cost of training, it’s worth looking into funding options in your region.
For example, if you live in England, you may be able to apply for the Institute of Swimming’s Swimming Teacher Recruitment Academy*. Successful applicants can gain qualifications at a fraction of the regular cost and even get matched with an employer.
You can find out more about the Institute of Swimming’s Swimming Teacher Recruitment Academy and how to register your interest below.
Final thoughts…
Becoming a swimming teacher is a rewarding career that can be perfect for those looking to make a positive impact later in life. Not only are the qualifications straightforward and accessible, but the role is flexible and fulfilling.
As Mark says, “Although I became a swimming teacher later in life, I now see it as my future.”
To find out more about becoming a swimming teacher, head over to the Institute of Swimming website using the button below. Or check out our interview with Mark and Sophia, who both took the plunge and became swimming teachers in later life.
Are you inspired to become a swimming teacher? If so, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.