Have you ever thought about becoming a swimming instructor in Canada? Becoming a swimming instructor could be a very enriching experience since you will help people to build confidence in the water, which will stick with them for the rest of their lives.
In this article we'll discover everything involved in the world of swim instructors and swimming coaches in Canada, from the most recognized certifications to where you can start your training.
Let's get started.
Key Takeaways
- To be a swimming instructor in Canada, you need certifications like the Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and National Lifeguard certification.
- It’s important to complete the Bronze Medal Awards Mandatory Update course for updated safety protocols.
- You typically need a high school diploma, teaching experience, and a criminal record check.
- Professional development can be pursued through organizations such as Swimming Canada and the Lifesaving Society.
What qualifications do I need to be a swimming instructor?
If your dream career is to become a swimming Canada coach or a swim instructor is crucial for you to know that you will need to provide proper professional training and undergo thorough evaluations.
We all know that swimming can be a highly effective sport and exercise; however, it can also be dangerous when not given the proper training.
It would be best if you become certified and experienced professional to follow the proper swimming techniques and methods, ensuring safety when in the water. Whether you're interested in giving professional training or teaching people how to swim, being a true professional can help your swimming trainees achieve the results they are expecting to accomplish.
Let's find out more!
Some certificates, licenses, memberships, and courses you should know about are:
- Provide the Water Safety Instructor (WSI), a swimming instructing program regulated and certified primarily through the Canadian Red Cross.
- Some establishments may also ask you to provide a valid National Lifeguard certification. This lifeguard certification program is nationally recognized throughout the country and by the province of Ontario for lifeguarding public swimming pools.
- Provide a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification from an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) provider. Since we know that emergencies can strike anytime, knowing first aid, CPR and AED can save lives.
- Completing the Bronze Medal Awards Mandatory Update course for lifesaving trainers and swimming instructors will provide updated content for National Programs. It's all about security and safety!
- You may be asked to provide a minimum of a Secondary (high) school graduation certificate (however, this will depend on the type of employment you are searching for).
- Demonstrate previous experience teaching swimming lessons (the required years of experience will depend on the type of employment).
- Previous volunteer work could be considered an asset.
- They may also ask for your criminal record check and proof of work in Canada.
- And last but not least, it will be best if you have a love for swimming and a passion for teaching!
Also, if you are interested in finding professional training, evaluation, and professional opportunities, we recommend you to check out the Swimming education programs delivered by:
This organization ensures each province's competitions and recreational programming meet their swimmers' needs.
Provides professional development and recognition of swim coaches in Canada
It is an organization that focuses on preventing drowning and injuries through training programs. It is recognized as one of the leaders in the development of standards for activities in, on, and around water.
A group of multisport training centres that promote professional coaching, sport science, and sport medicine services to national team athletes, research, training, and competition.
The association empowers coaches by promoting skills, ethics, competence, and recognition.
What skills do you need to be a swim instructor?
Becoming a successful swim coach involves more than just holding the necessary certifications and qualifications. While these are fundamental, the real difference lies in the skills you bring to the role.
The right mix of abilities can elevate your coaching, enhance the experience for your swimmers, and help you stand out in a competitive field.
Here’s a look at the key skills that can make you a standout swim coach.
Communication Skills: Effective communication involves active listening, assertiveness, empathy, and understanding body language. This helps in building relationships and clearly conveying instructions.
Swimming Ability: Strong swimming skills are essential for teaching techniques such as breathing, floating, and safe water movement. Experience helps in creating effective training plans.
Safe Supervision: Knowledge of pool safety, lifeguard services, and emergency procedures, including CPR and AED, is crucial for ensuring a safe environment.
Group Management: Managing groups involves tracking attendance, ensuring activity completion, and maintaining safety, especially when working with children.
Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service involves creating a welcoming environment, communicating effectively with clients, and ensuring a positive experience to build trust and retain customers.
It’s these core skills that truly define a successful swim coach. Mastering communication, swimming techniques, safety protocols, group management, and customer service will not only enhance your effectiveness but also improve the overall experience for your trainees.
How much does it cost to become a swimming instructor?
So one of the first steps to becoming a qualified swimming instructor is obtaining all the certifications and qualifications you need to deliver safe and engaging swimming lessons.
But here comes the million-dollar question! How much does it cost to become a swim instructor in Canada?
Becoming a swimming instructor in Canada involves more than just obtaining swimming certifications. Here, you will also need to consider how long it takes to be a swim instructor to acquire experience and good years of training.
However, let's see roughly the prices you need to think about:
- Water Safety Instructor (WSI) has a fee of $600 approx. It includes mandatory online assignments, 25 hours of classroom time, and 8 hours of practice teaching.
- The course costs of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification vary between $55 and $165 in Ontario. Still, it costs $75 in Alberta, and usually, this course is about 4 hours long.
- The registration fee for the Bronze Medal Awards Mandatory Update course could cost $45. The registration includes access to online course materials, the Bronze Medals Award Guide, and the New Bronze Cross Course Book. You will need to answer a multiple-choice written test that usually takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours.
Is being a swim instructor worth it?
While we know that salary is not the most important thing to consider when choosing a career, having an idea of the average pay for a given job could make a big difference in positioning yourself well in the marketplace based on your experience, skills, and accomplishments.
According to Canada Talent, the average salary for a private swim instructor in Canada is approximately $37,100 per year or $19.00 per hour. The entry-level positions could start at $32,000 annually, while most experienced swimming instructors or coaches can make up to $54,600 annually.
Now, when we talk about how much a swimming instructor can make per region, we found that the most recommended place to work is:
- British Columbia, with an average salary of $39,000
- Ontario, with an average salary of $35,999
- Alberta with a registered average wage of $35,936
- Quebec with an average salary of $29,738
The average salary for swim instructors is $37,100 a year in Canada.
Start your Swimming instructor career with Superprof!
Even if swim instructors or swimming coaches are unregulated occupations in Canada, we recommend that you pay attention to the training you need to succeed in this professional sector and gain the necessary experience.
And do you know what is one of the best ways to gain experience and start your private swimming teaching journey? Through private lessons! Train to be the best private swim instructor in Canada with Superprof.
Superprof is the best tuition site online. You can start practicing to become the ideal private swimming instructor and spread your passion for sports with us.
With Superprof's platform, you will join a global network of private instructors to start offering your services. The answer is just a click away!
Gain the experience you need with the best private tutoring! Visit the Superprof Canada website and select "tutoring jobs." With us, opening your account is free, and you will discover the most flexible way to work in Canada! Are you ready to start?
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I have been a swimming coach in Hong Koong for over 15 years. And i have swimming coach certificate, CPR,water safety certificate certified ,etc by offical departments in Hong Kong. May I know more details about coaching in canada ?
Thank you
Hello Winnie, We are so glad you want to learn more about tutoring. Please check out https://www.superprof.ca/tutor/ to learn more.