Career Guides
Swimming Coaches and Instructors
Swimming coaches train and instruct people of all ages to swim by analysing their techniques and performance in the water.
Where you Might Work
While it is obvious where swimming coaches will work, their qualifications could take them to pools situated in:
- Schools
- Swim clubs
- Retirement homes
- Rehabilitation or allied health centres
Key Responsibilities
- Planning and developing strategies for competitive racing.
- Analysing techniques and devising strategies on how to help swimmers.
- Communicating with students on what they are doing well and what needs to be improved.
- Analysing race progress.
- Motivating swimmers and supervising practice sessions.
- Recruiting swimmers and other coaches.
- Promoting the sport and overseeing the participation of young people in swimming.
- Coordinating and directing swimming activities.
The Attributes and Skills You Will Need
- Good physical and verbal communication skills.
- An ability to motivate and encourage swimmers.
- Strong leadership skills and a desire to lead.
- Strong knowledge of CPR and water safety.
- Strong knowledge of swimming coaching strategies and tactics.
Market Insights
Market Insights
Market Insights
Market Insights
Market Insights
Retrieved from: Labour Market Insights
Salary: the average swimming instructor has a full-time salary of around $65,000, per Labour Market Insights.
Qualifications
| Course/s | Potential Career Outcomes | Further Qualifications | Course Duration or number of elements/units |
AUSTSWIM Accredited Courses: Prerequisite course – Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety (SISSS00112) Extension Courses: Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics (INF) Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion (TAI) Teacher of Adults (TA) Teacher of Towards Competitive Stroke (TCS) |
| n/a | Prerequisite course: 4 units of competency INF: 1 unit of competency TAI: 2 units of competency TA: 0 units of competency TCS: 0 units of competency |
Swim Australia Accredited Courses:
Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia Aquatic Supervisor | All courses apply a range of techniques and workshops to create teachers that want to be specialised on different levels. | Some students who train with Swim Australia may look to complete a Certificate in Teaching Aquaphobes, aiming to teach aquatic professionals how to understand, identify, and treat Aquaphobia. | Swim Australia Teacher: 4 units of competency Teacher of Babies and Toddlers: 1 unit of competency Foundation Coach: 2 units of competency Teachers of Learners with Disability: 1 unit of competency Teacher of Cultural Awareness in Aquatics: 2 units of competency Swim Coaches and Teachers Aquatic Supervisor: Covers the 14 units within the Certificate III in Aquatics and Community Recreation. |
Additional Certification
Note: Base-level accreditation will require you to complete HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. This may be provided; however, it may also be something you have to attain yourself. Visit the Swim Australia Course Calendar to find the best time and place for you to complete this requirement.
RTOs recommend that staff who work in high-risk water facilities should obtain a Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service (CPP41319).
If you are working with children under the age of 18, you will need to obtain a Blue Card (Working with Children Check).
Already qualified? Head to the Sportspeople jobs board for the best selection of positions currently available in the industry.
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