If there’s one activity more than any other which parents enrol their kids in, it’s swimming lessons. Every weekday evening and Saturday mornings, pools are filled with little ones learning to stay afloat. Qualifying as a swimming teacher or lifeguard can be lucrative, but what do you need to know?
Swimming Teacher – Qualifications
If you’re going to ask people to pay you to teach swimming, you’re going to need some qualifications first. Most UK swimming teachers train through Swim England or other other national bodies. Most swimming teachers have at least an ASA Level 1 qualification. You must be 16 to start on this course, and it takes 4 days to complete. Once you’ve got the certificate, you can assist teaching swimming. If you want to work independently, you’ll need the Level 2 certificate. At this level you can choose to specialise in older children, or pre-schoolers. Level 2 takes a bit longer to complete, and combines computer based learning, assignments and face to face sessions.
Salaries and Job Opportunities
Most swimming teachers work on a casual, per hour basis. As most classes are after school hours, it’s a good option for students and other young people wishing to fund their studies. There may be further opportunities for intensive courses in school holidays. Jobs are advertised on council websites, or with many of the independent swimming schools around the country. Starting salaries are usually around £10 per hour, but if you work your way up to running and organising your own classes, you could easily earn much more. Teachers also have the option of specialising in other aspects of swimming such as synchronised swimming, pregnancy classes or coaching for people wanting to swim competitively.
Lifeguarding Jobs
Similar roles are available as pool lifeguards. Again the training to be a lifeguard can only be done over the age of 16. Lifeguard training is practical in nature, with tests in treading water, swimming speed and stamina. There’s a large first aid section in the training, and lifeguards need to be physically fit. Once trained, lifeguards can earn around £10 an hour. Working as a lifeguard is a great option for students. No unsociable hours, and the possibility of getting overseas work for vacations are obvious benefits. Compared with other typical student jobs such as bar work or retail, salaries for working as a lifeguard or swimming teacher are relatively high.
What sorts of qualities do I need for these jobs?
Getting the certificate and qualifying as a swimming teacher or lifeguard is just part of the qualities you’ll need for the job. Both lifeguards and swimming teachers need to be a “people person”, with good interpersonal skills. You’ll need a DBS check at the enhanced level, as both roles involve close contact with children and potentially vulnerable adults. We can help you
apply for a DBS check if you’re not sure where to start. Many swimming teachers also choose to do extra courses in first aid, especially for teaching in smaller pools with no lifeguard present.
