Become a Swimming Teacher

Becoming a Swimming Teacher

To become a swimming teacher you do not necessarily need a huge knowledge and background in swimming, it is more about making lessons fun and connecting with children and adults. Courses are now more practical with elements of training on poolside to develop skills as well as the theory elements.

Teacher Qualifications

The Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) is the industry standard for those who wish to teach unsupervised to groups of swimmers with a range of abilities and is essential for seeking employment as a swimming teacher. This qualification is achieved from a practically-based course and will allow you to gain the necessary skills and experience prior to progressing to an aquatics working environment. It will support your ongoing learning and development ensuring that you are fully prepared to deliver high quality lessons. 

Following completion of a course with us you, will be offered an opportunity to interview with Sports and Leisure.

Course Duration

The duration of the course is 8 days which is divided between 32 hours of practical teaching and 32 hours of theory. There is a mandatory pre-course element, 'SwimRight' which must be completed prior to attending the first day of the course. Details of this are provided once candidates have booked on, following the course booking deadline. Course resources are administrated via our online e-portfolio system, HIVE Learning.

Pre-requisites, Costs & Subsidy

To do this course you need to be a Scottish Swimming member and 16 years of age on the first day of the course. The cost of this course is £550. Details on available sportscotland subsidy can be found as a link on this page. This qualification sits on the Scottish Qualifications and Credit Framework (SQCF Level 7).

Subsidy Information

Our next SSTQ course will start in September 2022 to add your name to our waiting list contact sportsdevelopment@south-ayrshire.gov.uk