From Swimmer to Teacher: My Journey Begins
Swimming isn't just a sport; it's a way of life. For me, it's been an overwhelming part of my life since I was 7 years old. I'm Megan West, a newly qualified swim teacher, and I can honestly say I owe so much to the water. All the incredible opportunities, competition achievements and lifelong friendships, are thanks to swimming.
It's this deep-seated passion that inspired my next step. I realized I couldn't imagine a life without it, and I wanted to share that joy. That's why I believe it is vital that I help young people to develop the same love that I have for the sport. Becoming a swimming teacher means I get to open up a pathway for young children to grow in a happy, supportive atmosphere while they find their own potential passion for swimming.
How to Get Qualified: The Flexible Path
After finishing my GCSE exams this summer, I was ready to start teaching, but I needed a qualification that fit my busy schedule. That's when I found the SEQ Level 1 Swimming Teacher Assistant course.
I chose it specifically because it was so flexible. It didn't demand excessive amounts of study or taking hours off from my existing work commitments. It was the perfect fit! The course was mostly online work which I could complete in the evenings and only involved two days of practical work over a weekend.
If you’re someone who lacks free time but wants to start a career change or take the first step toward teaching, this course is perfect for anyone that is tight on free time as it is very flexible.
Learning the Ropes: Interactive Content and In-Depth Knowledge
The course content was engaging and comprehensive. The online aspect was not only enjoyable by virtue of its interactive content but it was also exceedingly informative. I learned crucial details about child development and how swimming is a part of that growth. Plus, the course was great for refreshing my technical skills, as it covered each stroke in detail.
Now, I feel much more confident in my abilities and have a better understanding of how I can teach swimming in the most interesting and effective ways. This will bring my passion for the sport into tangible skills to give the learners a brilliant experience.
Poolside Practice: The Warwick Weekend
My two-day practical course at Warwick University Sports Centre was where the real fun began. The sessions were genuinely enjoyable, and I loved getting my first taste of experiencing poolside conditions and assisting real swimming lessons.
This was invaluable experience, allowing me to teach swimmers from stages 1-7 and giving me in-person practice for my future work. What really made the weekend special was the atmosphere. There was an immense sense of camaraderie amongst the 11 course participants because we all shared the same goal: to become the best swimming teachers we could.
What's Next? My Advice to You
The experience was so positive that I've already signed up for more! I loved the experience so much that I have already enrolled on to the Level 2 course for next month. I can't wait to develop my understanding and skills even further.
To anyone out there who shares my love for swimming, I strongly encourage you to enrol onto the Level 1 course. It is my opinion that every child should be given the opportunity to learn to swim. It’s a life skill, and you could be the one to teach it!
Are you ready to make a splash and start your own journey in the world of swimming?