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 interactive activities and checks on learning, prior to the practical 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

• Online learning - 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. The estimated time to complete this is 8 hrs.
• 2 x 3 hr Zoom webinars - During these sessions, the tutor will cover the remainder of your practical topics, a venue orientation and planning for your swimming lessons.
• 1 x half day Practical assessment session at the pool – this will consist of a meet and greet, preparation, assisting at least two 30-minute swimming lessons, evaluation and feedback. You will only need to attend one of the practical dates listed below. This will be selected with your course tutor on the first zoom session.

As part of your practical sessions you will have written assignments to complete prior to your feedback session.

• There will then be a final one to one where you will receive feedback from your tutor. This will take place online via zoom and will be 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 a mixture of online learning exercises, virtual classroom activities 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 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, throughout the duration of the course you will allocated homework by your Tutor that must ‘Meet the Standard’ before the end of the course. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

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