The world of insurance can be confusing, especially if you are new to the sector. As a teacher or coach, you are providing a specialised service and could be held responsible for an injury to another person.
In circumstances like these, it is essential that you have appropriate insurance protection. Without insurance, you will need to defend yourself, putting your personal wealth at risk. Becoming a member of the Institute of Swimming can give you peace of mind and help protect you from high costs.
All members have exclusive unlimited free access to the Legal Advice Line for specialist UK advice on any legal matter affecting you as a teacher/coach or on personal matters. The cover also provides legal expenses for certain matters, including employment disputes, contract disputes and personal injury.
Institute of Swimming Membership includes up to £20 million worth of Public Liability. Even with the most careful planning and preparation, a number of things can go wrong. Public Liability insurance protects you against unexpected accidents that can occur before, during and after sessions.
For example, if you were coaching one of your swimmers and they hit their head on the edge of the pool, you could be held accountable and face a costly compensation claim depending on the severity of the injury.
If you give advice to your participants, you should have Professional Indemnity insurance. This protects you if someone suffers an injury as a result of advice you have given them and claims against you for their injuries.
For example, if you gave advice to parents about how they can support their child’s swimming and something goes wrong, they may hold you responsible. Your membership covers you for up to £20 million of Professional Indemnity insurance.
You can also suffer injuries. These injuries could be a significant financial burden. Personal Accident insurance covers different types of injuries, whether you suffer minor injuries which require physio, or more severe injuries.
The Institute of Swimming Membership includes Personal Accident cover (up to 75 years old), up to £50 a week financial support if you can’t work due to an accident sustained when working as a teacher or coach or when travelling to or from your normal place of work.
Should you suffer loss of income (if your regular pool closes due to an insured peril, like a fire) you can claim up to £100 a week for up to 26 weeks to help replace your lost income. This cover does not apply for “communicable diseases” such as Covid-19 or variances of, it also does not apply to pool closure for general repairs, maintenance or refurbishments. For greater detail on all insurance visit the Howden microsite for members here.
As a member of The Institute of Swimming, you will have free access to the Members Online Learning Hub which provides you with free e-learning worth over £100 including our Introduction to Teaching the Four Strokes bundle and our Adult Swimming online CPDs.
Find out more about Institute of Swimming Membership.
For greater detail on all insurance visit the Howden microsite for members here.
Employers Liability insurance is not included as standard by Institute of Swimming Membership but Swim England can support you with business insurance through Howden at an additional cost.
Contact Howden: 0121 698 8160
Swim England affiliated swim schools receive a discount on the liability insurance provided by Howden. Find out more about Swim School Membership.