“I enjoy swim teaching, so it doesn’t really feel like work!” Amy shares her story

“Being a swimming teacher feels like part of my identity now rather than just a job. It genuinely feels good for the soul!”

Amy has been a swimming teacher for 16 years, having completed her SEQ Level 1 and Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualifications in 2005 at the age of 16.

She inherited a love for the water from her Mum, who was a keen club swimmer as a teenager and later on became a swimming teacher herself.

After school, Amy would watch her Mum teaching her lessons, and this inspired her to do her teaching qualifications as soon as she was old enough, and teach lessons of her own.

“I loved being able to see swimmers growing in confidence and then ability. I felt a huge sense of pride in being a part of their swimming journey and was determined to make it a positive experience for them.”

Studies and work alongside teaching

Amy values the flexibility of the hours that comes with being a swimming teacher, as in the past she has been able to study and now is able to work alongside her teaching hours.

“I continued to pick up swimming lessons whilst I studied paediatric nursing at University and then managed to work my shifts as a qualified nurse around my set lessons. I’m currently working as a Health Visitor and still teach regular lessons.”

Teaching swimming has become more than just a job for Amy,

“Because being a swimming teacher feels like part of my identity now rather than just a job. It genuinely feels good for the soul! I enjoy building a rapport with the swimmers in each class, figuring out what teaching approach works best for them and seeing them developing and progressing.”

Extra training

After you train to become a swimming teacher there are loads of CPDs (Continued Professional Development) courses you can do to specialise in certain areas and enhance your teaching skills and knowledge.

Amy has completed various CPDs throughout her career, more recently she has completed two CPD’s in teaching children who have additional needs and integrating them into mainstream swimming lessons with the Institute of Swimming. Below she explains why she feels strongly about improving her skills in this area.

“This is something I feel particularly passionate about as my 3-year-old was recently diagnosed as autistic. A common trait of autism is a fascination with water; my son is a definite water baby but with no danger awareness, which is why I think lessons are so important, particularly for children who have additional needs.”

🔍 Search for CPDs for supporting swimmers with additional needs

Amy highlights the reasons why it is important that everyone gets a chance to learn to swim and why teaching swimming is a meaningful and essential job,

“It is so important to me that we make sure swimming is inclusive and accessible to everyone… Because it’s so much more than a sport, it’s physiotherapy, it’s a get away from everyday life, it’s fun and most importantly, being able to swim could save your life!”

Inspired by Amy’s journey? Want to start your journey to become a swimming teacher …

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