Would you like to learn swimming but are unsure who the best person to learn from is?
You can learn with a swimming instructor at a dedicated school or even visit your nearby sports club to see whether there are any lessons being offered. You can even learn to swim alongside other students at the swimming pool, although there are some who prefer having one-on-one lessons.
Regardless of choice, these are some must-have qualities that you should look out for when choosing your swimming instructor.
1. Your swimming instructor has the necessary qualifications.
Learning how to swim from a close friend or family member can be cost-effective to ease your way into the swimming pool. Nevertheless, should you invest both money and time to learn to swim under a swimming instructor, it's best to seek out a professional coach who is certified to teach you.
So, what are the certifications needed to become a swimming instructor?
Professional swimming instructors in Malaysia may hold different licences for swim teaching, including the STA Certificate in Swimming Teaching and the AUSTSWIM Teacher Licence. Those who have acquired these licences are not only familiar with swimming strokes but have also successfully completed training courses related to water safety and medical assistance.
The Swimming Teachers' Association of Malaysia (STAM) allows individuals ages 17 and above to apply for the STA Certificate in Swimming Teaching. Prior to the course, candidates should already hold a CPR certification, as well as either a Bronze Medallion or International Life Saving (ILS) certification.
A swimming instructor who holds the STA Certificate is able to:
- Teach swimming, lifesaving and survival techniques
- Understand the fundamentals of coaching in sports
- Understand how to develop students' potential through coaching
It also helps to know how many years of coaching experience your swimming instructor has, and if they are able to teach students in your age group and at your current level of learning. Those who are teaching swimming classes to infants, toddlers and persons with disabilities may also have additional qualifications to help these groups reap the benefits of swimming.
Discover qualified sim teachers for swimming class for baby in KL on Superprof.
Clarify with your instructor that they have the professional certifications to teach you the fundamentals of swimming, and this will also help you gain the swimming benefits that are necessary for your development in the sport.
2. Lessons with your swimming instructor are well-structured.
Are you able to track your progress with your instructor?
Before your very first swimming lesson, you should know what you'll be learning over the next few weeks. What will the focus of your lessons be like? How will your instructor measure your progress? Will you be able to learn freestyle by the end of the month?
You may find it intimidating at first to ask this many questions, but a good instructor will be able to explain the structure of their lessons clearly and clarify where you may be spending more time in the swimming pool practising a certain technique. They should also share how they will track your progress but be upfront about the length of time it may take you to master a swimming style.
A professional coach should be confident when answering their students' questions!
It's possible that you may get bored of learning the same swimming strokes or feel like you've been repeating the same lesson for a while. However, your swimming instructor may be helping you learn to swim better by focusing on your body movement, teaching you how to dive into the swimming pool properly, or evaluating your performance before moving on to the next step.
One thing you can do to get the most out of your lesson structure is discuss your personal goals with your instructor, such as knowing how to swim the basic swimming styles and strokes.
3. You can rely on your instructor at the swimming pool.
The benefits of swimming will only apply to you in your practice if your instructor is someone you can depend on. Swimming instructors who are reliable should be fully attentive during lessons, maintain reasonable communication with their students and help those learning under them feel safe with them at the swimming pool.
It will be worth your time if you learn to swim at the top swimming schools in 2023.
Some things to ascertain for a reliable swimming instructor are:
- Your swimming instructor starts and finishes your lessons on time.
- You are informed in advance if lessons will be delayed or postponed.
- Lessons are not cancelled at the last minute, except in the case of emergencies.
- They get back to you about questions you asked during your lessons.
- They check and ensure you have completed your swimming assignments.
These aspects are crucial to helping you trust your instructor and will allow you to build a healthy teacher-student relationship with them. In the event that you are nervous about being in the swimming pool or lack the confidence to learn a new technique, you should feel comfortable sharing your concerns with your instructor.
Of course, your role as a student is also to focus during your swimming lessons and take the courage to voice out your concerns. Your instructor may not know what you could be struggling with otherwise! Your active participation will also aid your instructor in finding points for encouragement.
This brings us to another important quality...
4. You feel motivated to learn to swim under your instructor.
There's no point in having all those years of teaching experience under the belt if you don't feel motivated to learn under your instructor!
Some swimming instructors with just a few years of coaching experience may be better suited to teach you as compared to those who have taught swimming for a long time. That's because the art of motivation is an important quality that simply can't be bought with a teaching certificate!
A lot of students benefit from instructors who help them see their potential in swimming, while others may prefer intensive sessions that feel like training drills. It's like saying someone who is always up to the challenge may require an instructor who pushes them beyond their limits; another who has been scared of the water their whole life will likely gain the benefits of swimming with an instructor who is patient during difficult times.
If you find yourself afraid of the swimming pool, you could be experiencing these signs of aquaphobia.
Checking whether you have the motivation to learn to swim with your instructor. Here are some ways you can tell:
- You are excited to try out the assignments given to you by your swimming instructor.
- You feel confident that you can grow as a swimmer through the challenges appropriate to your level.
- You are curious about how your instructor would explain certain swimming phrases or skills.
- You look forward to your next swimming lesson!
5. You have grown to love swimming thanks to your instructor.
On top of all these must-have qualities for your swimming instructor, you should learn to love swimming from them!
To grow your passion for the sport, it's essential that your instructor helps you develop an interest in the activity and that you truly enjoy learning more about it, such as getting to know the history of swimming strokes. And if this is the experience you are getting from your instructor, then it's likely this person has a fun personality that you can get along well with.
In addition to polishing your swimming technique, consider whether you are having fun at the pool!
How will you know if you've booked lessons with a friendly swimming instructor? Check off the items below.
- Your instructor is serious about training but also knows how to make learning fun!
- They can sense any tension or pressure, and know when it's time to relax or take a break.
- Your passion for swimming has increased since learning with them.
- Have you tried cracking jokes with them?
If you want to find a swimming instructor who meets your learning needs and preferences, you should get to know all the available coaches and instructors for swimming on Superprof. Superprof is an online platform designed to connect learners to tutors of all subjects, including swimming for all levels. Browse through Superprof's extensive catalogue of certified swimming coaches!
You may be wondering how you can get to know your swimming instructor through Superprof in the first place. To achieve this, simply click on any instructor's profile to get information such as lesson location, background of the coach and what to expect during your lesson. These details should give you a heads-up of how friendly your coach is and whether they are teaching the skills you are looking for.
Enjoy swimming lessons for as low as RM70 or sign up for a lesson pack to get further discounts - only on Superprof. Register as a student on Superprof today and take your swimming skills to the next level!
Find professional teachers for adult swim classes and more on Superprof.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
