How to Become a Swim Instructor

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (8 Ratings)

If you spent your childhood on swim teams, lifeguarding or if you are just a proficient swimmer looking for a chance to share your skills, becoming a swim instructor may be for you. Teaching children and adults to swim is a challenge, but it is a job that comes with great rewards. The path to becoming a swim instructor requires a little time and energy and a few certifications. Read on to learn how to become a swim instructor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

CPR certification
First Aid certification
Lifeguard certification

Step 1

Become certified in adult, child and infant CPR. All of these courses are offered by your local Red Cross chapter, and often times offered at your local YMCA.
Step 2

Complete a First Aid certification course. First Aid courses and First Aid re-certification courses are offered by your local Red Cross chapter. Check with your local YMCA to see if they offer these courses as well.
Step 3

Take a lifeguard certification course. Your local YMCA offers lifeguard certification courses which are usually a prerequisite for taking a swim instructor course. The Red Cross also offers lifeguard certification courses at local aquatic facilities.
Step 4

Enroll in the Water Safety Instructor Course offered by your local Red Cross Chapter.

Tips & Warnings

If you have previously taken CPR or First Aid Courses, you may only need to take a re-certification course instead of the full course. It covers the same information in a shorter time period and costs less money.
Red Cross Lifeguard and First Aid certifications are good for three years, while CPR certifications are only good for one year.

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