Swimming is a valuable life skill that has many physical, emotional, and mental health benefits. Therefore, being a swimming teacher and passing on this life skill is a hugely rewarding role.
A swimming teacher doesn’t just teach swimming, they enable a lifelong love for physical activity, and the skills they pass on can save lives; But what are the duties of a swimming teacher, and what makes up this exciting role?
Let us start with the serious part, swimming teachers have a duty of care and prioritise safety in their lessons. There are regulatory requirements that they need to take into consideration, including holding relevant qualifications, insurance, and conducting risk assessments.
Swimming teachers play a pivotal role in encouraging lifelong participation in swimming. Lessons are a fun and supportive environment that fosters learning and enjoyment. To achieve this, swimming teachers often use activities and challenges to keep their participants engaged and motivated.
A swimming teacher’s role is to plan and deliver lessons that meet participants’ needs and encourage development. Activities are progressive, meaning they build on previous skills, and are tailored to the swimmers’ ability.
To build the foundations of the strokes, swimming teachers introduce Core Aquatic Skills, such as breathing, buoyancy, and coordination. Before building these skills into whole strokes, a teacher will identify faults and correct the participants’ technique so mistakes don’t form into bigger problems.
Once participants can master their Core Aquatic Skills, swimming teachers can then develop the swimming strokes, such as freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, using progressive practices and activities.
To ensure lessons go swimmingly, swimming teachers utilise positive behaviour strategies and time management skills. They may have a swimming assistant to support them who they supervise to ensure they are providing practical support.
The role of a swimming teacher is multifaceted and requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. By fulfilling these responsibilities, swimming teachers can help their participants develop valuable life skills, improve their health and well-being, and enjoy a lifelong love of swimming.