Become a Swimming Instructor

Do you want to become a swimming instructor? If you do, then you will need to get the three certifications in first aid, CPR, and lifeguard.

These certificates can be obtained from Red Cross and YMCA although the lifeguard certifications can also be secured from aquatic facilities in the area.

Certifications for Becoming a Swimming Instructor

Being a proficient swimmer can already be seen while an individual is still young. If you spent most of your childhood days on the beach or pools doing lifeguarding or perhaps joining swim teams, becoming a swimming instructor may be an ideal choice. Being a swimming instructor can be fun and rewarding but you should also be aware that this profession is challenging. Oftentimes, you will be dealing with different kinds of people (young or old) so you should be a good communicator. Aside from that, you also need to get certain certifications – CPR, first aid, and lifeguard.

The first certification that you need to obtain is CPR. You can get the certification from YMCA or the Red Cross. Try to check if there are local offices of these associations and inquire about the requirements. Once you’re able to comply, you will get the certificate. After that, you will now secure the certification for first aid. Such certification can also be obtained from the said offices. However, you should inquire first since some local offices don’t offer it. The third certification on lifeguarding can also be secured from these offices as well as in aquatic facilities in your area.

Become a Swimming Instructor – Getting a Training

These certifications are necessary prior to enrolling in the Water Safety Instructor Course. What if you’ve already obtained the first two certifications in the past? In this case, you no longer need to take up full courses on becoming a swimming instructor. Re-certification is the only one you’ll need and will also cost you lesser. The same info is covered in the short course. The first aid and lifeguard certifications are only valid for 3 years while the CPR is valid or a year. As mentioned earlier, it doesn’t really matter if one of your certifications has expired because you can simply opt for the shorter course programs.

You will only have to consult two major offices – YMCA and Red Cross. Aquatic facilities can only help you with the lifeguard certificate. Once you’ve secured the needed training and certificates, you can now apply as a swimming instructor. You can work in schools, pools, and even on private beaches. You can look for job opportunities online so that you can easily reach potential employers. As an instructor, you can earn around $22,000 in a year but with experience, you can even earn more than that. Inquire at the concerned agencies or offices so that you can get started right away. Being a swimming instructor can be hard but it’s truly rewarding once you see your students learning.

6 Comments

  • crystal said on January 7, 2011
    i would like to know i am 16 years old since i was little i do swimming and i would like to know how would i get to be a swimming teacher
  • Oisin Breathnach said on January 29, 2012
    I am a newly graduated registered Nurse, I have always been a very strong swimmer and have thought a few of my friends and my cousin how to swim. I would like to further this and become a swimming instructor. Could you inform me how i would obtain the proper qualifications to do so?
  • sudakshina said on August 6, 2012
    i am a doctor but good swimmer want to be a lady swimming instructor in chennai hotels and pools can u direct me
  • margaret smyth said on January 16, 2013
    I work in the National Aquatic Centre in Dubin
  • thoma said on September 3, 2013
    i have been swimming since i was little .my city when i grow up has a sea so i used to swim a lot.i like it very much but i need same information how to become a swimming instructor in schools.
  • maria said on April 12, 2015
    I am 15 years old. I have been competitively swimming Ina swim team sence I was 8. I have no training at all but I know how to swim. I was wondering how can I become a swim instructor able to work?

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