Individual member questions answered

IoS Individual Member FAQs

Q. What is involved in the annual renewal process?

Once registered with the IoS each member will receive a renewal notice one month before it is due and this can be paid online, by cheque or credit card.

Q. If I teach above the level of my qualification will insurance cover me?

The ASA and IoS encourage all clubs and swim schools to have appropriately qualified teachers and coaches covering all sessions but also recognises that from time to time both clubs and swim schools may have difficulty in finding volunteers with the appropriate qualifications, especially in the smaller disciplines.

Therefore, providing the sessions are operated within the standard safety framework and in line with the procedures laid down by the pool operators, the insurance policy is valid.

Q. How do I gain further qualifications or update my current qualifications?

The ASA is committed to providing Continual Professional Development (CPD).  This is also offered through the ASA Licensing Scheme details of which can be obtained here

Q. Who do I contact if the Swimming Times magazine has not been received?

Contact the IoS membership team on 01509 640746 or Swimming Times on 01509 640230.

Q. What is the procedure if a member needs to make a claim?

In the event of making a claim a member needs to call the IoS office and explain the nature of the claim. A claim form will then be sent to the member (if applicable). This form then needs to be completed and returned to our brokers Perkins Slade Ltd (0121 6988050).

Q. Is a member insured to teach in his or her own private pool?

Yes, however the pool becomes public once you use it for the purpose of teaching.

Q. Is a member insured to teach abroad?

Yes, if the duration of the trip is less than six months in any 12 month period. We advise that Perkins Slade (0121 6988050) should be contacted to confirm the details.

Q. During a lesson, is a teacher required to have a qualified lifeguard on duty?

• If it is a programmed session whereby the teaching class is the only activity in the pool then teachers/coaches can provide the safety cover if they hold the appropriate ASA teaching qualification or equivalent as well as one of the following:
• A current Lifesavers National Pool Lifeguard qualification or equivalent
• The national rescue award for Swimming teachers and coaches
• The rescue test for swimming teachers and coaches.

Q. What does a risk assessment involve and what are the safety factors?

• A risk assessment involves identifying hazards, assessing the risks and indicating the methods required to control these hazards/risks where possible. Below you will find six safety factors:
• Pool design – blind spots, glare, reflection and noise
• Depth
• Water quality – including pool temperature & clarity of water
• Pool organisation – shared or sole use? Who has responsibility?
• Staffing – consider the qualification, skill, degree of support and number of teachers/coaches/lifeguards
• Pupils and ability – age, ability range, any physical disabilities/learning difficulties, ability to comprehend instructions.

Q. What is the recommended teaching position when teaching a group of pupils?

In the situation where the teacher has responsibility for groups comprising more than two pupils the recommended teaching position is from the side of the pool as this provides the best position to oversee the whole group in terms of safety and to provide appropriate feedback on the performance of each person.

Q. What are the recommended teacher/pupil ratios?

There are a range of ratios depending on learner level, aquatic discipline and whether learners have disabilities. For full details read the ‘Safe Supervision for Teaching and Coaching Swimming’ document by clicking here.

Q. Do all teachers and coaches have to be appropriately qualified?

They must have adequate skills and qualifications recognised by the ASA.

Q. Can an individual teach while pregnant?

The ASA/IoS has no exact cut-off period for when you should stop teaching once you become pregnant. Once your teaching environment/situation changes then you should do another risk assessment, this will be the determining factor for the date you should cease teaching. Once a risk assessment deems that it is unsafe for you to continue then at that point you should reconsider carrying on.

If you cannot find the answer you seek above then contact the IoS by clicking here or by phoning 01509 640 746.