5 Qualities to Look for in a Swim Instructor

Are looking for a swim instructor for your children and don’t quite know where to begin your search? There are certain criteria that should be examined before your final decision as to which professional to use is made. A good swim instructor should possess the following qualities:

Training

A swim instructor should not only have expert knowledge in swimming but great interpersonal skills as well. Each student is different and a great teacher will be able to relate and adapt for each student’s level and personality. It’s a great sign if the instructor holds a lifeguard certification as well. You can rest easy that your child will be in a safe environment while learning to swim. Often, training within the company is a regular practice. This is wildly important as it ensures that there is a unified vision where everyone teaches the exact same approach.

Experience

Inquire as to how much experience this person possesses. The instructor should be able to tell you how many children have benefited from their lessons and how many different places they have worked. It is not necessarily a negative if the instructor has little experience. Sometimes that type of individual will have more enthusiasm and commitment to the job. You may have to monitor the lessons though to ensure that all bases are covered.

People Skills

A good instructor needs to know how to deal with students and parents alike. Their communications must be clear and articulate. Instructions should be delivered in the manner that the child can understand. An instructor can be very knowledgeable, but if he or she does not know how to effectively pass on that knowledge to the student, it may be best to keep on with your search. In mommy and me swim classes, an instructor would have to deal with both parents and children at the same time.

Reliability

The best instructors are reliable. They are available when they say they will be. They show up on time and sometimes even earlier. They work with your schedule to provide the best in services.

Specialization

Consider the reasons you want a swim instructor for your child. It may be to prepare him for a competition or teach him the basics of swimming. Whatever the case, it is important to look at what the instructor is best at and what age groups they are most experienced in dealing with. Some instructors truly enjoy teaching toddlers to swim, while others are most proficient at preparing tweens and teens for upcoming competitions.

As you can see, choosing a swim instructor or attending swimming classes does not have to be an incredible challenge. Just ensure that the preceding attributes are in place before making your first appointment. You want your child to benefit from the instruction and you want to have the peace of mind in knowing that you are getting what you are paying for.