How to Be Swimming Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 16, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Swimming is a great way to exercise and stay in shape; however, it can also be dangerous if not done correctly. When learning to swim, it is important to get proper instruction from a certified swimming instructor. Swimming instructors teach the fundamentals of swimming, such as floating, kicking, and breathing, as well as safety tips.

With their guidance, swimmers can learn proper technique to increase their comfort and confidence in the water, reduce their risk of injury, and become better swimmers. Proper instruction can also lead to a lifetime of enjoyment and a greater appreciation for water activities.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. To become a swimming instructor, you must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Get Certified as a Lifeguard. Most employers will require that you are certified as a lifeguard before they will hire you as a swimming instructor. You can obtain this certification through the American Red Cross or through a local YMCA.
Obtain Swim Instructor Certification. Once you have your lifeguard certification, you can take additional courses to become a certified swimming instructor. The American Red Cross offers certification courses in Basic Water Safety, Advanced Open Water Instructor and Advanced Swimming Instructor.
Get CPR and First Aid Certification. Most employers will require that you have CPR and first aid certification before they will hire you as a swimming instructor. You can get this certification through the American Red Cross or through a local organization offering CPR and first aid classes.
Find a Job. Once you have all of the required certifications, you can begin looking for employment as a swimming instructor. You may need to start off working at a recreational center, YMCA or other organization offering swimming classes before you can find a job as a swimming instructor at a private school or club.

Swimming is an important skill to learn, and having a competent swimming instructor is key to learning the skill effectively and efficiently. With the right instructor, students can quickly gain confidence in the water, improve their technique and safety, and even develop a passion for the sport. The instructors experience and qualifications will determine the quality of instruction, so it is important to take the time to research and choose an instructor who is knowledgeable and has a proven record of success.

When selecting an instructor, ask about their experience, qualifications, and certifications; look for positive reviews or recommendations; and make sure they have the necessary insurance and safety protocols in place. Taking the time to find a skilled and competent swimming instructor will ensure that students get the best instruction possible and are able to reach their swimming goals.

You may want to check Junior Lifeguard Instructor, Aquatics Program Coordinator, and Aquatic Facility Inspector for alternative.

Job Description

Teach swimming lessons to students of all ages and abilities.
Evaluate students swimming abilities and develop appropriate lesson plans.
Demonstrate proper technique for swimming strokes, water safety and other aquatic activities.
Monitor the safety of students during lessons.
Maintain accurate records of student progress for each class.
Provide encouragement and positive reinforcement to students.
Interact with students in a professional and friendly manner.
Follow all established safety guidelines and procedures.
Promote aquatic safety and educate students about the risks associated with swimming.
Maintain cleanliness and order in the pool area.
Collaborate with other instructors in order to ensure quality instruction is provided.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of water safety principles
Ability to follow safety protocols
Ability to teach a variety of swimming techniques
Knowledge of swimming equipment and its use
Ability to communicate effectively with students of all ages
Ability to plan and execute lesson plans
Physical fitness and strength
Knowledge of CPR and First Aid
Ability to provide safe and respectful instruction
Patience and enthusiasm for teaching

Swimming instructors must possess a wide range of skills in order to help their students become competent swimmers. The most important skill for a swimming instructor is the ability to effectively communicate. Good communication involves providing clear instructions, offering positive reinforcement and being able to identify and address potential areas of improvement.

Furthermore, swimming instructors must be patient and understanding, as well as confident in their own abilities. Finally, swimming instructors must have a deep knowledge of water safety and aquatic activities, in order to safeguard their students and ensure they are having a positive experience. The combination of these skills is essential for a successful swimming instructor and will lead to improved results in their students.

Senior Lifeguard/Instructor, Pool Manager, and Water Safety Instructor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have teaching swimming?
How do you ensure that the students are learning safely and effectively?
What strategies do you employ to motivate and encourage your students?
How do you encourage students to remain focused on their goals?
How do you handle difficult students or challenging situations?
Describe a successful lesson youve taught in the past.
What techniques do you use to create an environment of trust and safety for your students?
How do you handle a student who may be fearful of the water?
In what ways have you adapted your teaching style to different types of learners?
What methods do you use to keep track of student performance and progress?

Common Tools in Industry

Pool Rules and Regulations. A set of guidelines to ensure the safety of swimmers in the pool. (eg. No running on the pool deck)
Rescue Tube. A floating device to help any swimmer in need of assistance. (eg. Orange and yellow tube with a rope attached)
Kickboard. A buoyant device to help swimmers improve their kicking technique. (eg. Rectangular foam board)
Goggles. A pair of eyewear to protect swimmers eyes from chlorine and other irritants in the pool. (eg. UV-blocking goggles)
Stopwatch. A timekeeping device used to track the performance of swimmers. (eg. Waterproof digital stopwatch)
Pool Noodle. A floating foam object used to support swimmers in the water and help them stay afloat. (eg. Multi-colored pool noodle)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Swim School Association (USSSA)
National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF)
American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA)
American Red Cross (Red Cross)
National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA)
National Aquatic Safety Company (NASCO)
National Swimming Pool Institute (NSPI)
American Swimming Teachers Association (ASTA)
American Lifeguard Association (ALA)
National YMCA Aquatic Program (YMCA)

We also have Pool Lifeguard, Head Lifeguard, and Swim Coach jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Stroke. A specific type of swimming technique, involving the coordinated use of arms, legs, and breathing.
Freestyle. A stroke used in competitive swimming and other aquatic activities, consisting of alternating flutter kicks and arm strokes.
Butterfly. A swimming stroke that involves a simultaneous up-and-down dolphin kick and a windmill-like arm motion.
Breaststroke. A swimming style in which the swimmer pulls themselves through the water with alternating movements of their arms and legs.
Backstroke. A swimming style in which the swimmer lies on their back and propels themselves through the water using alternate movements of their arms and legs.
Swimming Pool Safety. Guidelines for keeping swimmers safe in a pool environment, including proper water temperature, removal of hazardous objects, and supervision by a lifeguard or other qualified adult.
Diving Safety. Guidelines for teaching safe diving practices, including proper technique, preparation, and supervision by an adult or certified instructor.
Water Safety. Guidelines for keeping swimmers safe in any body of water, including proper supervision, avoiding dangerous areas, and wearing life jackets as appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications do you need to be a Swimming Instructor? A1: To become a swimming instructor, you need to have a nationally recognised qualification such as the ASA Level 2 Swimming Teacher, STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher, or Swim England Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification. Q2: How many hours per week do Swimming Instructors typically work? A2: The number of hours a swimming instructor works will depend on the organisation they work for and their availability. Generally, a swimming instructor may work up to 20 hours per week teaching classes and private lessons. Q3: What is the average salary for a Swimming Instructor? A3: The average salary for a swimming instructor in the UK is £20,000 per year. Q4: What types of swimming classes do Swimming Instructors teach? A4: Swimming instructors typically teach a wide range of classes such as beginner classes, advanced classes, stroke improvement classes, and even water aerobics classes. Q5: What safety protocols do Swimming Instructors need to follow? A5: Swimming instructors must always maintain a safe environment for their students by ensuring that the pool is free from debris and hazards, that the pool temperature and chemical levels are within safe limits, and that all safety rules are followed.