Swimming teachers help people of all ages and abilities to learn to swim, and improve their technique.
The Work
You could be:
teaching a group of individuals to swim
giving one-to-one lessons
planning a block of lessons to suit the correct level and standard for individuals or groups
correcting a swimmer's technique and suggesting ways to improve
teaching basic lifesaving skills
assessing individuals and giving regular feedback
doing administrative duties for class bookings and payment
handing out certificates and badges for successful completion of a level.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Most swimming teachers are paid an hourly rate. This can range from around £13.00 to £16.00 an hour. Experienced teachers can earn more. Self-employed teachers can charge up to £30.00 an hour for private lessons.
Conditions
You would work at leisure centres, schools or private health clubs.
A lot of work would be in the evenings or weekends.
Part time work is common.
You may have to travel around to different locations.
You do not need formal qualifications from school.
The first qualification you need is the STA (Swimming Teachers' Association) Award in Teaching Swimming. You must be aged 16 or over.
Scottish Swimming offer the Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ), which is the new industry standard for those wishing to teach unsupervised to swimmers with a range of abilities.
You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.
a good understanding of health and safety procedures.
Training
After completing the STA Award in Teaching Swimming (or equivalent qualification), you would be able to teach up to 12 non-swimmers through to improvers on your own.
To be allowed to teach the full range of lessons up to advanced on your own, you must then complete the STA Certificate in Teaching Swimming. You must be aged 16 or above. This qualification meets the CIMSPA employer-led Swimming Teacher Professional Standard.
Getting On
You may wish to do a specialised training courses, for example, teaching those with disabilities or baby and pre-school learners.
You could train as a swimming coach by completing the Scottish Swimming Qualifications at Levels 1 to 3 in Coaching Swimming.
You could become self-employed and offer private lessons or run your own swimming academy.
To remain as an STA approved swimming teacher, you must keep your skills and knowledge up to date with continuous professional development (CPD).
More Information
For more information please see organisations listed below:
2025
