Working Environment

Swimming teachers/coaches often have to work evenings and weekends, when many people participate in recreation. Those involved with training competitive swimmers have to be present at training sessions and competitions, often resulting in long working hours at unsocial times. This may also involve a large amount of travel. Many swimming teachers/coaches work part-time.

Teachers/coaches work in various settings, including schools, health centres, private health clubs and swimming clubs.

Swimming Teacher/Coach Related Skills

To be a swimming teacher/coach you should have:

• good verbal communication skills
• the ability to inspire confidence and motivate performers
• perseverance and patience
• good organisational skills
• the ability to be encouraging and put people at ease.

Swimming Teacher/Coach Career Opportunities

Whilst demand for swimming teachers/coaches is high, full-time paid jobs are very scarce. Vacancies are to be found with local authorities, outdoor pursuits centres, holiday camps, private hotels, large sports clubs and sports centres.

Many teachers/coaches begin by working part-time in a voluntary capacity. Professional sports coaching is very competitive and coaches will be judged by the success of the individual or team they coach. Most teachers/coaches are paid according to the number of hours they teach.

Currently there is a growth in sports development and some swimming teachers/coaches progress to becoming swimming development officers.