Careers in Aquatics
If you’ve ever sat on poolside while your child’s in a learn to swim or club session you might have thought ‘what can I do to fill my time more productively?’ Well what about swimming teaching?
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?
An ASA teaching or coaching qualification is the best way to get started and the ASA/UKCC Level 1 Certificate in Teaching Aquatics is the specific course you need.
What does it cover?
It's made up of two units which are a combination of theory and practical, so you will get wet! Unit 1 is all about the core skills of how to teach. Unit 2 concentrates on aquatic teaching, 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 British Gas ASA Learn to Swim Pathway (formerly known as 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 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?
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 love about their job and how they got started.
How much does it cost?
Typically around £370, 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 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, if you wanted to train to be a support coach in diving, water polo or synchronised swimming, you would only have to do Unit 2 of that Level 1 course.
What next? Simply follow this link to find a course near you on theIoSonline.com. It couldn't be simpler!
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