How to Be a Swim Instructor

A swim instructor can wear many hats. Not only does a swim instructor teach basic swimming skills, but also they teach water safety skills. On top of instructing, most swim instructor job descriptions include lifeguarding, being a proficient swimmer and general pool work. Holding a current CPR certification is a must. According to the American Red Cross, swim instructors are in high demand, which makes finding a job easier. Most places require their swim instructors to be a minimum age of 16.

Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Complete a swim instructor course. Either ask at your local pool about swim instructor courses that are available or use the Red Cross website (redcross.org) to locate your local American Red Cross chapter. Contact them to find the closest Water Safety Instructor course. Another option is to inquire from your local YMCA if they offer their national swim instructor course titled "Swim Lessons Instructor (YSL-1)".

    • 2

      Get a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. Use the Red Cross website to find a class close to you. Most courses last about four hours. In some instances, this certification course will be part of your swim instructor course. Ask your swim instructor course provider before enrolling in a separate CPR course.

    • 3

      Demonstrate proficient swimming skills and strength. Keep your swimming fitness up to date, as most places of employment will require passing an in-house swimming test. This can vary widely depending on the place of employment, from being able to swim 25 meters to having some experience in competitive swimming. Swim instructor job descriptions usually specify a minimum weight to be lifted. Greenwood Village, Colo., and the Town of Superior, Colo., have a requirement to be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted. This is equivalent to the weight of a small child.

    • 4

      Submit an application to your local pools. Be enthusiastic and friendly when interviewing, as a swim instructor has a high customer contact component.