This course develops your knowledge, skills and abilities as an assistant swimming teacher. It will enable you to actively support a qualified swimming teacher in the delivery of a planned learn to swim session.

Online and Virtual Learning is a more flexible approach where you complete the theoretical elements of the course online through eLearning and Zoom-based webinar sessions, prior to the practical pool-based workshops.

Who is the course designed for?

Anyone interested in starting a career in teaching swimming or wants to assist a swimming teacher.

Course delivery format

• eLearning - you will be given access to this on the start date listed below. This must be completed 72 hours prior to attending your first Zoom session and will take you around 8 hours to complete.
• 2 x 3 hr Zoom webinars - During these sessions, the tutor will cover the remainder of your course theory, a venue orientation and planning for your swimming lessons.
• 2 x half-day practical assessment sessions at the pool – consisting of a meet and greet, preparation, assisting at least two 30-minute swimming lessons, evaluation and feedback. You will need to attend both of the practical dates listed below.
• As part of your practical sessions, you will have written assignments to complete prior to your final one-to-one feedback with your tutor.
• There will be a final one-to-one where you will receive feedback from your tutor. This will take place online via Zoom and you will be given a 30-minute slot. The tutor will arrange your exact time slot with you during the first Zoom session.

Course content

The course is delivered through eLearning exercises, virtual classroom activities via Zoom, and practical poolside learning and assessment. You will participate in at least two 30-minute swimming lessons to gain hands on practical experience.

You will learn about the following:

• The legal aspects of assisting in swimming lessons
• The responsibilities of a swimming assistant
• The swimming pathway, fundamental movement, core aquatic skills and component parts of strokes
• Scientific principles of swimming
• What makes up a lesson plan, equipment and communications skills
• How to identify anxiety and use of motivational techniques
• The type of assistance you can provide

Please be aware that you will be given homework from your Tutor that must meet the assessment standard before the end of the course. These include, but are not limited to:

• 17x theoretical questions
• 1x review record

Download the full SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) specification.