Instructors and Swimming Teachers

The teachers and instructors for water survival and lifesaving training explain, demonstrate in the water, and evaluate all skills.

It's great fun to teach lifesaving and survival swimming lessons. Instructors should be strong swimmers who are competent in all the water survival skills shown in this publication. The ideal instructor-to-student ratio during training and assessments is 1:6.

Lead by Example

Swimming and lifesaving lessons often require that the teacher joins the class in the pool to demonstrate a certain skill. It shows that you are not shy of the water and can do what you teach. You become more part of the team, rather than preaching from the pool side.

As a swimming teacher you should be prepared to get soaking wet, get splashed a lot without flinching, and put your face in or under the water. It is important for learners to be shown that it is safe to get wet in clothes and to go under water.

Buddy System

Two teachers or more working as a team are better than one. This works best when young teachers follow an experienced teacher, also called "shadowing".

The teachers can ensure that each student receives individual attention and feedback, which can lead to faster progress and better results.

Additionally, having two teachers can help ensure that the students are safe and supervised at all times, which is especially important when teaching children or beginners.

Finally, having two teachers can run classes better organized and structured, which can help maximize the learning experience for everyone involved.

Ensure Safety

Teachers should ensure that the students are safe at all times. They should supervise the students closely and be prepared to intervene if necessary. They should also ensure that the pool is clean and well-maintained, and that the students are aware of the safety rules.

Lifeguard Supervision

Lifeguards should watch your activities at all times. You can't teach and supervise the pool at the same time, you will be too busy with your training or teaching that you may miss what happens around you. Lifeguards look out for you and alert you if needed.

Although it may not be required, instructors should hold a lifeguard training certificate. If several teachers hold lifeguard qualifications, they can take turns with watching the pool and teaching in the water.

Appropriate Clothing

Teachers wear clothing that is comfortable and allows them to move freely in the water. They should also wear shoes that provide good traction on wet surfaces.

Swimming teachers need to be recognised easily by students, lifeguards, and other pool users. Bright comfy swim clothes keep you visible when you join your class in the pool. Avoid light blue clothes as they make you almost invisible.

Clothes allow teachers and students to keep their modesty during fast paced contact sports like lifesaving and survival swimming. Teachers usually wear a uniform consisting of shorts or long pants, and a shirt or anorak with the pool operator's logo or your swim team logo.

Remember that you may not move in the water as much as your class, so stay warm in appropriate clothing, especially in outdoor pools.