Becoming a Swimming Teacher or Coach
Teaching aquatics has a rewarding career path, as well as offering great flexibility and the chance to change people’s lives.
If you are seeking greater detail on becoming a teacher or coach and funding for courses go to the ASA zone for all you need to know.All great athletes started somewhere, and that somewhere could be in a swimming lesson with you as a teacher or coach.
Demanding and active, a career in teaching aquatics offers you the potential to empower and challenge interesting and dynamic youngsters so they fulfil their potential.
It is also very flexible. So if you are seeking a rewarding job with hours to suit then check out becoming a swimming teacher or coach.
- More on finding a job in aquatics
- Teacher stories - be inspired
- Training to be a teacher or coach with the Institute of Swimming (IoS)
What qualifications do I need?
You will need an ASA Qualification in your chosen discipline(s). These are currently rated Levels 1, 2, and 3. Courses typically cost around £390, but there are loads of bursaries and grants available. Some even pay 100% of the course costs. Sample courses are:
- Teaching Aquatics
- Aqua Fitness and Disabilities
- Coaching Diving
- Coaching Swimming
- Coaching Synchronised Swimming
- Coaching Water Polo
- Learn more about training courses with the IoS Online
Minimum qualifications
The first qualification you will need is the ASA UKCC Level 1 Certificate. This focuses on how to teach or coach and what to teach or coach.
- Once you have received your certificate, you will be qualified to support a more senior qualified or licensed teacher/coach at any level in a pre-prepared session.
- You must be 16 + years of age when the course finishes to take it.
To be able to work on your own (aside from lifeguarding cover) you must be the holder of an ASA Level 2 Certificate. You will be provided with all the skills to efficiently prepare, deliver and evaluate swimming sessions.
- You must be 17 + years of age before the course begins.
