Become a swimming instructor
Become a swimming instructor
Becoming a swimming instructor is an exciting and rewarding journey.
It's perfect for anyone who wants to make a difference teaching our young people vital skills to help keep them safe.
The first step in becoming a swimming instructor, is achieving an accredited swimming teacher license.
Once you have qualified, you’ll be able to apply to work with us to teach in our Interm Swimming or VacSwim programs.
Enrol in a swimming teacher course now.
- Swimming instructor qualifications and clearances
- Complete your industry training with us
- Training program for Year 12 students
- Promotional material for instructor courses
Swimming instructors must be at least 17 years old, have a current CPR certificate, a swimming instructor license and relevant clearances.
Our Department recognises the following qualifications:
- AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety (TWS) Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety (TSW) accreditation
- Royal Life Saving WA Swim Teacher accreditation
- SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia Swim Australia™ Teacher (SAT) qualification.
Our Department supports the industry training for these courses. That means you can complete the practical requirements within our programs.
Water safety officers don’t require a swimming instructor license, however they do need to have a Surf Rescue Certificate or Surf Bronze Medallion.
To work with us you also need to have a:
- Working with Children Check, or have applied for one
- Department of Education Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and screening clearance number if you're over 18.
Once you successfully complete the swimming teacher license, you can apply to start your swimming instructor career.
If you have completed the theory component of your swimming instructor course, congratulations on taking the first step on your journey to becoming a swimming instructor!
Complete your industry training at one of our venues.
Work in our program with a coaching instructor or a hub trainer to learn in a positive, specialised environment, and transition to a rewarding career with us. You will receive full, ongoing support and mentoring from us during your industry training.
Your industry training includes your supervised teaching component and competency assessment. After you graduate, you will be fully supported in your final steps to become an employed swimming instructor with us.
Requirements
To complete your industry training with us, you need to:
- be at least 17 years old
- have completed the online theory for your course
- have a current CPR qualification.
If you're over 18, you also need to have a current:
- Working with Children Check, or have applied for one
- Department of Education Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and screening clearance number.
If you're under 18, you need to obtain a Working with Children Check after you complete your training to be eligible for paid employment.
Apply now
Before you apply, make sure you have evidence of the above requirements ready to attach.
To apply, download and complete the application form for the relevant term.
- Industry training Term 3, 2023 (31 Aug to 22 Sep 2023)
- Industry training VacSwim October 2023 (27 Sep to 6 Oct 2023)
- Industry training Term 4, 2023 (23 Oct to 31 Dec 2023)
Email your application and all relevant documentation to interm-metro@education.wa.edu.au.
Contact us
Phone 9402 6195 or email swimming.administration@education.wa.edu.au.
Become a qualified swimming instructor and apply for work with the Department of Education.
Year 12 students can register for a fully-funded swimming instructor course.
You’ll be able to obtain an accredited swimming instructor qualification and CPR qualification for free and seek employment with us.
To be eligible, you must be a Year 12 in Western Australia and be at least 17 years old.
What do you need to do?
- Attend a one-day face-to-face practical course at an aquatic venue.
- Complete up to 30 hours of self-paced online learning.
- Participate in industry training – completed in a Department of Education swimming program.
- Register for employment with the Department of Education swimming programs
Apply now
Before you register for a course make sure you read and accept the training program conditions.
Apply now to become a swimming instructor with us.
Contact us
For more information about the training program call 9402 6195 or email swimming.administration@education.wa.edu.au.
Use these resources to provide information to Year 12 students and their families.
Flyers and posters
Download, print and display these flyers in high-traffic areas around your school and in your local community.
Social media material
Download these social media images and suggested wording to use or adapt for your school’s social media platforms.