How do I become a Teacher or Coach?
Swimming teaching is an active and challenging role and many local pools are always on the look out for new staff. Plus, teaching assistants can earn £6-£10 per hour on average, with more for Level 2 teachers or coaches. You can also fit teaching in around your life – you could work as little as five hours a week or up to sixteen.
Interested? Then read on to learn more…
What course do I need?
The ASA is a leading provider of aquatic qualifications in England and is recognised by employers for setting the industry standard in providing learners with the knowledge and skills to perform successfully within the workplace. The ASA offer either teaching aquatics or coahcing in 4 different disciplines, swimming, water polo, diving and synchronised swimming.
What does it cover?
Each level 1 qualification is made up of 7 units which are holistically assessed which means that you can be assessed against the whole qualification rather than being assessed for each unit. It will incorporate a combination of theory and practical, so you will get wet! Unit 101-104 are all about the core skills of how to teach or coach depending on which discipline you choose. Units 105-107 concentrate on the specific , technical knowledge and practical skills. It will give you an understanding of the aquatic environment and a basic knowledge of appropriate corrections to common faults.
Click here to read the full syllabus.
WHAT KIND OF JOB COULD I GET ?
You could work in a learn to swim scheme in a swimming club or leisure centre as an assistant swimming teacher. Also known as a learn to swim support coach, you would be under the supervision of a Level 2 qualified teacher or coach to deliver swimming lessons to children and adults.
You would help to teach wannabe swimmers how to move and be safe in the water. Many swimming lessons use the National Plan for Teaching Swimming as a framework to help swimmers learn the basic skills they need to be able to swim.
Your job will be to assist in teaching/coaching some of these basic skills. Other tasks might include laying out the equipment ready for lessons and making sure buoyancy aids are safely fitted.
Pay starts at £6 - £10 per hour. You should be able to find some examples on our job pages.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE A SWIMMING TEACHER/COACH?
It’s a very rewarding and enjoyable career and a good way to earn money whilst you’re studying too. Click here to read what teachers and coaches love about their job and how they got started.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Typically around £390, but don’t let lack of funds stand in the way - there are loads of bursaries and grants available which vary according to location but some even pay 100% of the course costs. Click here to see if you qualify!
WHAT COURSES CAN I DO AFTER THIS ONE?
To teach or coach unsupervised, the next step is to become a swimming teacher or learn to swim coach. This course is ASA/UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Aquatics or whichever discipline you have chosen at level 1. If you wish you can train in multiple disciplines so once you have completed the level 1 teaching qualification you can move over to the coaching qualification. Please see the matrix for furthur information.
WHAT NEXT?
Simply click here to find a course near you. It couldn't be simpler!
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