Hi, I'm a music teacher and also a fairly good swimmer, or so I've been told. Recently I was approached by a parent who highly complimented my form and asked if I would teach her daughter. I've always been interested in giving swim lessons. All the WSI courses are done for the year in my area. Any ideas on videos, or other training available to give lessons would be greatly appreciated. Has anyone given lessons without formal training? Thanks much!
I'd hazzard that most of us were taught to swim by 15 year old lifeguards who were the furthest thing from certified to teach swimming. Most of my summer league coaches weren't coaching during the winter - and therefore also not certified. Plenty of folks teach w/o certification. Some are a lot better than others, and some are a lot better than those with certification.
There are plenty of sites on the web with video that have lots of ideas for you. Do a diagnostic lesson, work on streamlines and flip turns to fill out the time. Once you've seen the kid swim, hit the 'net for some tips on technique.
I'd hazzard that most of us were taught to swim by 15 year old lifeguards who were the furthest thing from certified to teach swimming. Most of my summer league coaches weren't coaching during the winter - and therefore also not certified. Plenty of folks teach w/o certification. Some are a lot better than others, and some are a lot better than those with certification.
There are plenty of sites on the web with video that have lots of ideas for you. Do a diagnostic lesson, work on streamlines and flip turns to fill out the time. Once you've seen the kid swim, hit the 'net for some tips on technique.
I agree - most of my "teachers" were other better than me swimmers or swim team swimmers. I know there are loads of video clips, etc. on strokes but they're mostly for adults. I need something specifically on how to teach young children right from the basics and for days I've searched and all I can find is "Aunt Bea's". There has to be more out there but they elude me.:doh:
you can get and ARC WSI easy enough... all you need to do is pony up the $ and attend the classes... however...
it is a great program, but fairly ridged and intended more for group use. it would be worth looking into however. the ARC web is pretty informative, and if you contact your local ARC chapter then someone there will be able to inform you of class availability, etc... they are generally very nice, helpful, and friendly folks.
if someone approached you about teaching their kid(s) swimming, you felt comfortable with teaching, do not have any liability concerns, etc... then i say go for it. as mentioned, certification does not necessarily make a good teacher, but knowledge, understanding, and experience, combined with the ability to pass it on is by far a better grounds for qualification.
in my personal experience i've found i learned the most when i taught something to others.
...
ARC www.redcross.org/.../sfp.html
Learn to swim www.redcross.org/.../lts.html
In order to teach swimming in canada I had to have my Red Cross swim instruction credentials and My Royal Life Saving Instructors certificate. I also have an insurance Policy for $3,000,000 Personal Liability.
I realized after I posted my question, what is ARC? that is was actually American Red Cross. LOL. I know about the WSI class, but missed it for the year, I guess. I don't see any fall WSI's coming up in my area. Thanks for the sites.
you can get and ARC WSI easy enough... all you need to do is pony up the $ and attend the classes... however...
it is a great program, but fairly ridged and intended more for group use. it would be worth looking into however. the ARC web is pretty informative, and if you contact your local ARC chapter then someone there will be able to inform you of class availability, etc... they are generally very nice, helpful, and friendly folks.
if someone approached you about teaching their kid(s) swimming, you felt comfortable with teaching, do not have any liability concerns, etc... then i say go for it. as mentioned, certification does not necessarily make a good teacher, but knowledge, understanding, and experience, combined with the ability to pass it on is by far a better grounds for qualification.
in my personal experience i've found i learned the most when i taught something to others.
...
Thanks. I looked into WSI in my area, and they were already conducted in early spring. What is ARC? I'm not familiar with that. I have read so many books, articles, videos, forums, swimming/drilling 10 miles+ a week. I feel pretty confident, but really need to learn how to get the little ones started in a progressive way. Thanks for your help.
ARC www.redcross.org/.../sfp.html
Learn to swim www.redcross.org/.../lts.html
In order to teach swimming in canada I had to have my Red Cross swim instruction credentials and My Royal Life Saving Instructors certificate. I also have an insurance Policy for $3,000,000 Personal Liability.
