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 £10.00 to £15.00 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.

Getting In

• You do not need formal qualifications from school.
• The first qualification you need is the STA (Swimming Teachers' Association) Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming. You must be aged 16 or over.
• Scottish Swimming launched the new Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) on 1 April 2019. This is the new industry standard for those wishing to teach unsupervised.
• 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.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

7715

1.7 %

RISE

2024

7847

  United Kingdom

2019

80679

3.1 %

RISE

2024

83210

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• patient and understanding
• energetic and enthusiastic
• able to motivate and encourage
• good at explaining things
• flexible and willing to travel around.

You need to have:

• excellent communication skills
• ability to organise your own workload
• a good understanding of health and safety procedures.

Training

• After completing the STA Level 2 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 Level 2 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 take a Level 3 qualification with STA or UKCC.
• You could train as a swimming coach by completing the UKCC Level 2 or 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).

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.