How can I become a swimming coach

JinksyCat

Hi all, just wondering what qualifications are needed to coach swimming? Anyone know? Thanks:)

Clseeper

You have to go through the Swim Ireland qualification courses. They refreshed them recently (in the last year or so) so mirror the system in the UK so I'll admit I'm not totally familiar with the new ones.

The rough break down is three different qualifications.
http://www.swimireland.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1104&Itemid=258

What is your experience to date? Are/Were you a competitive swimmer? Get some teaching experience first to see if you really like it or not.

The biggest issues with becoming a coach is gaining the experience. For the level three you need to be coaching at a club level already. If you're over 18 aim to get your level 1 & 2 and go from there. In Ireland, a large majority of the coaches only have the equivalent of the level 2 but they have years of experience. As with any industry, just because you have a piece of paper - it doesn't mean you're any good.

PS Plus there's the child safety courses which are mandatory for all teachers/coaches

JinksyCat

Thanks for the reply Clseeper.

I was a competitive swimmer in the past, it sounds like there is a good deal involved and Im not sure if I can commit the time that is needed at the moment. Maybe ill do this in the future.

metalfest

there is also and irish water safety swimming instructor qualification

Rojiblancos

Make sure you have the money to cover the training costs. It'll be quickly paid off once ya get a job at the end of it but it all adds up and the training can be quite costly

swim2

If you want to coach swimming for competitions you have to do your courses through Swim Ireland.
If you want to teach swimming for leisure then the Irish Water Safety qualifications are good.
The Swim Ireland ones are more expensive, Irish Water Safety are cheaper.