Shortage of swimming teachers in UK

The 2019 Industry Swimming Teachers Recruitment Survey released today from the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) has revealed that over half of UK swim schools have a waiting list, with three quarters (77%) admitting they are struggling to recruit enough swimming teachers to meet this public demand; highlighting the dire need for more in the UK.

The survey, representing swim schools both public and private in the UK has shown a continuing stagnation of poor swimming teacher recruitment throughout the country impacting children’s access to learning significant lifesaving skills. The recruitment crisis has become so severe that currently 73% of swimming schools said they are prepared to invest in training unqualified staff to match the mounting need. But the impact is already starting to show in cancelled lessons, endless waiting lists and for many the missed opportunity to ever learn to swim, a crucial life lesson.

Ahead of World Teachers Day (5^th October) tomorrow, STA are keen to impress the value of swimming teachers as well as raise awareness of the benefits the job offers, such as flexible working hours, earning internationally recognized accreditation and competitive salaries.

Aston spoke to Mike Goody, former RAF gunman, Invictus games gold medalist and STA (Swimming Teachers Association) ambassador to raise awareness of the importance of learning to swim as well as the benefits you can get from teaching others a vital lifesaving skill. Aston also spoke to Kayle Brightwell, head of qualification at STA (Swimming Teachers Association) to discuss the growing number of children and young adults who are losing out on the opportunity to swim and what this loss can mean for their futures in the water.