What does a swim teacher do during a shift?
Explore a typical swim-teaching shift, including preparing lessons, teaching in the water, supporting learners and working with parents and supervisors.
Wondering what you would actually do as a swim teacher?
A shift usually includes several short classes where you:
- Prepare equipment
- Welcome learners
- Demonstrate skills
- Keep everyone safe
- Help nervous swimmers build confidence.
You will not be expected to work everything out alone, and the exact structure will vary between swim schools.
[Interactive tool: What does a swim teacher do during a shift?]
What to expect
- You will usually spend most of the lesson in the water
- New teachers commonly work with pre-school and primary-school learners
- Classes are allocated based on your competency
- A deck supervisor or senior teacher is commonly available
Explore more about becoming a swim teacher
Choose what you want to explore next.
1. Is swim teaching a good first job for you?
3. How do you become a qualified swim teacher?
4. What do you need to become a swim teacher?
Ready to get started? Find courses here
Developed by My First Job in partnership with SWIM Australia™. Training and assessment is delivered by SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia, trading as SWIM Australia™ (RTO 20948).
Frequently asked questions
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Not necessarily. Depending on the employer, you may complete an induction, receive workplace training, assist another teacher or teach with support nearby.
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Newly qualified teachers commonly work with independent pre-school learners, primary-school beginners and learners developing their swimming skills.
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You may briefly welcome parents, answer simple questions or explain how their child went during the lesson.
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A major part of the role is helping learners feel safe. You will learn how to reassure them, adapt activities and build confidence gradually.
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SWIM Australia advises that having a deck supervisor or senior teacher available during lessons is standard practice across most member employers.
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