Criteria Needed to Teach Safety Training for Swim Coaches

Swim coaches often are required to complete safety training before they can begin coaching. Many collegiate, high school and swim club coaches are required to have certifications in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), first aid and safety training.

  1. Safety Training Program

    • Swim coach safety training can help coaches respond to emergencies.

      Safety Training for Swim Coaches is a course conducted by the Red Cross. The course "is designed to provide participants training in aquatic safety that teaches basic skills and knowledge to prevent and respond appropriately to many of the emergencies that occur in the competitive swimming environment," according to the Red Cross.

    Who Can Instruct

    • Red Cross instructors can teach swim coach safety training.

      The course is taught by certified Red Cross lifeguard instructors and water safety instructors. Instructors need only to orient themselves with course materials to teach the program. The course includes a written section, which can be taken on-site or online, and a water skills section, which is completed with a Red Cross instructor.

    Red Cross Instructor Criteria

    • Good communication skills are necessary to become a Red Cross instructor.

      The Red Cross evaluates instructor candidates using these qualities: communication skills, subject knowledge, positive attitude, patience and flexibility, and professional behavior.

    Becoming a Lifeguard Instructor

    • The instructor courses include a water skills component.

      Lifeguard instructors can teach Water Safety for Swim Coaches as well as lifeguarding, CPR, first aid and basic water rescue. Lifeguard instructors must be at least 17 years old and be a certified lifeguard. Lifeguard instructors must successfully complete written and water skills components of the course.

    Becoming a Water Safety Instructor

    • Red Cross instructors must pass a written test.

      Water safety instructors can teach Water Safety for Swim Coaches. They also can teach swimming lessons and water safety courses. Those interested should find a water safety instructor course at a Red Cross chapter. Water safety instructors must be at least 16 years old, be a proficient swimmer and successfully complete the written and swimming skills components of the course.

    Teaching Swim Coaches

    • Swim coach safety training instructors have three resources to study before instructing.

      After obtaining certificates as a lifeguard instructor or water safety instructor, instructors must familiarize themselves with the materials and course. No previous experience with competitive swimming is necessary. Materials necessary for the course include: "American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety Manual," "Safety Training for Swim Coaches Supplement" and "Safety Training for Swim Coaches Instructor's Manual." The supplement is available online, and the remaining books are available from the Red Cross. After an instructor is acclimated to the course, he may teach Safety Training for Swim Coaches.