{"id":620,"date":"2022-10-04T11:06:05","date_gmt":"2022-10-04T15:06:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/?p=620"},"modified":"2023-10-16T12:07:54","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T16:07:54","slug":"how-to-become-a-swimming-coach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-swimming-coach\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Swimming Coach"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-swimming-coach\/#What_Does_it_Take_to_Become_a_Competitive_Swimming_Coach\" >What Does it Take to Become a Competitive Swimming Coach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-swimming-coach\/#The_Qualifications_Youll_Need\" >The Qualifications You\u2019ll Need<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-swimming-coach\/#Physical_Requirements_Safety\" >Physical Requirements &amp; Safety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-swimming-coach\/#Certifications_Where_Youll_Attain_Them\" >Certifications &amp; Where You\u2019ll Attain Them<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-swimming-coach\/#I_Have_My_Certifications_Now_What\" >I Have My Certifications, Now What?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-swimming-coach\/#What_Does_it_Pay\" >What Does it Pay?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-swimming-coach\/#Interested_in_Coaching_Your_Own_Athletes\" >Interested in Coaching Your Own Athletes?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_it_Take_to_Become_a_Competitive_Swimming_Coach\"><\/span>What Does it Take to Become a Competitive Swimming Coach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For some people, it\u2019s the thrill of competing in front of a world audience for a chance to win the gold medal that motivates them, but not everyone involved in professional sports is in it for the spotlight. Behind every successful athlete is a coach helping to push them past their limits, and for some people, that\u2019s exactly where they want to be.<\/p>\n<p>However, depending on how high you want to go, coaching isn\u2019t simple. The certifications you must earn to prove your level of competency as a coach become not only more difficult as you go, but will demand more of your time and dedication to the craft.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-125 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/18ADM118-SwimMirror-Blog-5_Habits_of_Highly_Efficient_Swimmers-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"329\" height=\"234\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Qualifications_Youll_Need\"><\/span>The Qualifications You\u2019ll Need<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To begin your journey and join your local coaching staff, you\u2019ll need to prove a certain level of athleticism, as well as an ability to act in emergencies and some social skills. The good news is that it\u2019s relatively easy to get started, but the certification requirements will quickly become more difficult. The good news is you don\u2019t need to be an ex-Olympian for people to respect you in this industry. Anyone can become an effective swimming coach.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physical_Requirements_Safety\"><\/span>Physical Requirements &amp; Safety<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While you most certainly don\u2019t need to have the swimming skills of an Olympic athlete, you will need to prove that you can in fact swim. You\u2019ll also need to prove you\u2019re healthy and capable of saving your students should an accident take place and your intervention required. That means you\u2019ll need a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redcross.org\/take-a-class\/cpr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CPR license<\/a> and a Water <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redcross.org\/take-a-class\/swimming\/water-safety\/water-safety-instructor-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Safety Instructor license<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Certifications_Where_Youll_Attain_Them\"><\/span>Certifications &amp; Where You\u2019ll Attain Them<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Depending on where you are in the world, you may have different certifications or training you\u2019ll need to accomplish. However, if you\u2019re in the United States, the certifications you\u2019ll be earning will be from the <a href=\"https:\/\/swimmingcoach.org\/page\/certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Swimming Coaches Association<\/a> (ASCA).<\/p>\n<p>ASCA is a nationally-respected body, so you can be assured that your certifications will mean something when you earn them. The certifications start out simple, requiring you to have the communication skills you need to effectively work with parents, children, and volunteers. As you ascend, the requirements will become more strict. You\u2019ll need to prove you\u2019ve coached for a set number of months\/years, up to the point of training an actual athlete to succeed at swim meets to reach the maximum certification.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Have_My_Certifications_Now_What\"><\/span>I Have My Certifications, Now What?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-553\" src=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/father-with-baby-boy-in-the-swimming-pool-on-KR74ALY-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/father-with-baby-boy-in-the-swimming-pool-on-KR74ALY-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/father-with-baby-boy-in-the-swimming-pool-on-KR74ALY-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/father-with-baby-boy-in-the-swimming-pool-on-KR74ALY-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/father-with-baby-boy-in-the-swimming-pool-on-KR74ALY.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The first thing you\u2019ll want to do is earn your level 1 certification, as that will allow you to start taking jobs in the industry. Once you\u2019re certified, start looking for swimming instructor positions as if it were any other job, or start your own practice by teaming up with a local swimming pool. Examples of places you can search for are as a school swimming coach, swim programs looking to add to their coaching staff, and your local swim club.<\/p>\n<p>From here, you can continue to earn certifications and add adults to your list of clients, but if you have Olympian goals in mind, you\u2019ll need to sign up with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usaswimming.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USA Swimming<\/a>. They function via smaller swimming committees located across the United States. You\u2019ll want to find and sign up with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usaswimming.org\/articles-landing-page\/2017\/02\/16\/lsc-websites\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">your local swimming committee<\/a> and start networking from there. Top Olympic coaches from across the U.S. are a part of USA Swimming, making it a great place to create connections.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_it_Pay\"><\/span>What Does it Pay?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most swimming coaches don\u2019t earn a substantial income. Most coaches will start out training children, and can expect to earn around $25,000 a year. If you continue to earn certifications and add different age groups to your client base, you can earn up to about $50,000. This all depends on whether you\u2019re part of an organization, heading your own swimming school, or providing services for a handful of clients.<\/p>\n<p>The situation is completely different for Olympic coaches, however. If you prove your ability as a coach by training the top swim teams in the country, you could earn anywhere from <a href=\"https:\/\/swimswam.com\/want-to-earn-the-big-bucks-be-a-d1-head-swim-coach\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$100,000 to $380,000<\/a>. This is of course dependent on you becoming a super star in your own right, but if Olympic athletes can dream big, why can\u2019t you?<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Interested_in_Coaching_Your_Own_Athletes\"><\/span>Interested in Coaching Your Own Athletes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the brilliant things about becoming a swimming instructor is the varied ways you can approach it. You could teach at your local high school, join a swimming school, or become a self-started and create your own practice. Every available road can lead to the Olympics as long as you can prove your teaching style works and you meet with the right people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Does it Take to Become a Competitive Swimming Coach For some people, it\u2019s the thrill of competing in front of a world audience for a chance to win the gold medal that motivates them, but not everyone involved in professional sports is in it for the spotlight. Behind every successful athlete is a coach<a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-swimming-coach\/\" title=\"More\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":568,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,37,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-620","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-swim-training","category-swimming-habits","category-swimmirror-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/620","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=620"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/620\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":628,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/620\/revisions\/628"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/568"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=620"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=620"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}