Swimming teacher or coach
Help people of all ages and abilities to learn swimming skills, or train competitive swimmers.
About the job
What it's like
As a swimming teacher, you'd help people of all ages and abilities to learn swimming skills and how to exercise in water.
As a swimming coach, you would instead train competitive swimmers.
In either role, you'd:
teach or coach one-to-one or in groups
plan and deliver lessons or training sessions
explain and demonstrate swimming techniques
fix faults in technique and find ways to improve performance
make sure safety standards are followed
check that life-saving equipment is in full working order
manage assistants and helpers
deal with minor injuries and accidents
As a swimming coach you'd also check on the physical and mental condition of your swimmers. You would support your swimmers by going to their events and competitions.
Hours
Swimming teachers and coaches often work evenings and weekends, especially during competitions. If you're coaching swimmers at a high level, you'd usually work long hours. There are lots of opportunities for swimming teachers and coaches to work part-time.
Environment
You could work in a variety of places, including schools, health centres, private health clubs and swimming clubs.
Travel
Competitions can take place all over the UK and sometimes abroad, which could mean that you spend some time away from home.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- swimming instruction
- lesson planning
- lifeguarding
- health and safety standards
- development management
- sports coaching
- performance management
- risk analysis
- child welfare
- customer engagement
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- mentoring
- coaching
- ethical
- respecting
- empathising
- verbal communication
- supporting
- reflecting
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Human Biology
PE (Physical education)
Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
Before you can work on your own you must gain a teaching or coaching qualification from the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) or the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) such as a UKCC level 2 Certificate or STA Professional Certificate in Teaching.
You need to be 17 years old before you can take these courses.
It is helpful to complete level one ASA or STS qualification which will qualify you to support fully-qualified teachers or coaches.
Qualifications and experience that show fitness and coaching skills such as Skills for Work: Sports & Recreation (SCQF level 4/5).
You may need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland for some jobs.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Swimming teacher or coach'
