Train to be a swimming teacher in Wirral for just £85
Residents with a passion for swimming have the opportunity to train to be a swimming instructor in Wirral, at a fraction of the usual cost.
Wirral Council's Active Wirral Leisure service has partnered with the Institute of Swimming to launch a specialist training academy, offering local people the chance to qualify as a swimming teacher for just an £85 administration fee - a fraction of the usual £1,000 cost.
Anyone interested needs to complete an online form by the closing date of Sunday 16th March.
Teaching swimming is a very rewarding career, with flexible hours, that might suit someone who wants to supplement their existing income or to work around their shift pattern and studying or caring responsibilities. There are no educational requirements for applying, nor do you have to be an ‘elite’ swimmer.
Cllr Ann Ainsworth, Vice-Chair of the council's Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee said: “Our goal is to expand our swimming programme and ensure all lessons are fully staffed, with a strong workforce to cover holidays and absences."
Just eight newly qualified swimming teachers would help us reduce waiting lists and offer lessons to around 1,000 more children each week.
Swim England’s data shows 96 per cent of UK swimming teachers love their job and love giving back to the community to support children in developing an essential life skill. Further data shows that more than half of swim teachers have previously held different careers and they are even more likely to agree that being on poolside gives them happiness, fulfilment and a good work/life balance.
Teaching swimming is an engaging and fulfilling role, with part-time hours typically in the afternoons on weekdays and mornings on weekends. Once qualified, opportunities may be available at the following leisure centres:
Oval Leisure Centre, Europa Pools, West Kirby Concourse, Leasowe Leisure Centre and Guinea Gap Leisure Centre.
Cllr Ainsworth added: “We're really pleased to be working with the Institute of Swimming to make pursuing a career as a swimming teacher more affordable. Learning to swim not only allows children to learn a life skill but has many health benefits, so we really want to encourage as many people as possible to come forward and sign up. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are keen that applications reflect our borough’s cultural diversity.”
Mark, 50, worked long hours running his own consultancy business and was frequently away from home before qualifying to become a swimming teacher through an Institute of Swimming Recruitment academy. He said: “Being a swimming teacher is so rewarding, and working with children with special educational needs is especially close to my heart. I wanted to give back to my community while also finding a better work-life balance. Now, I can take my children to school, be home for bedtime, and do a job I truly love. When I look back on my life, I know this is something I’ll be proud of.”
Rebecca Cox, Managing Director, Institute of Swimming says: “We want to attract new people to swimming teaching, including those who may not have considered it as a career. This funded training offers enthusiastic locals the chance to gain a rewarding role, give back to their community and help children learn a vital life skill.”
The Swimming Recruitment Academy gives people the chance to become a swimming teacher for just £85 and takes them through the Swim England Qualifications (SEQ)Level One Swimming Assistant (Teaching) and Level Two Teaching Swimming courses. The usual cost of these two courses is £1000. In addition to the training, applicants will also receive a years’ membership to the Institute of Swimming and access to the online Introduction to Swimming Strokes - Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
