SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching)

This qualification is the first step to becoming qualified as a swimming teacher. This qualification qualifies you to be an assistant teacher, and you will gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to assist a qualified swimming teacher in delivering high-quality, inclusive swimming lessons. You will learn about the role and responsibilities of a Swimming Assistant, the participant journey, Competitive strokes and skills, Scientific principles in swimming, The components of a swimming lesson, Supporting participants and the Swimming Teacher, and Communication skills.

Pre-requisites: You must be at least 16 at the start of the course. You should be comfortable reading and accessing the course in English. The assessment consists of theoretical questions, observation and reviewing (lessons) records.

SEQ Level 2 Swimming Teacher (NEW 2026) with the Swim England CPD for Safeguarding in Aquatics

This qualification certifies you as a professional swimming teacher, enabling you to independently plan, prepare, deliver, and evaluate swimming lessons. You will gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to teach and assess aquatic techniques and strokes for non-swimmers, beginners, and improvers. The course includes pool teaching experience, the development of a portfolio of assessed work, and a multiple-choice theory examination. The programme incorporates the Swim England CPD in Safeguarding in Aquatics.

Pre-requisites: Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the start of the course. Prior experience in supporting swimming lessons or teaching in related areas is recommended.

SEQ Level 2 Teaching Swimming to Babies and Toddlers

The SEQ Level 2 Teaching Swimming to Babies and Toddlers qualification is practical for individuals wanting to independently plan, prepare, deliver, and evaluate Babies and Toddlers swimming lessons. You will develop the knowledge and skills in how babies and toddlers develop and deliver safe and inclusive lessons with the relevant technical content. The assessment consists of theoretical questions, planning (overviews and lesson plans), evaluating lessons, observation, and a professional development action plan.

Pre-requisites: You must hold the SEQ Level 2 Teaching Swimming (post 2022). Holders of the older version of the Level 2 Teaching Swimming certificate will need to complete additional work (and this is likely to cost more). This course is a shortened fast-track course.

Combined SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant and Level 2 Teaching Swimming

This is the fast-track route to becoming fully qualified. Learners must complete both courses and pass Level 1 before continuing to the Level 2 course. The requirements are the same for each level. You can pick any two relevant courses (i.e., Level 1 and Level 2 in sequential order within a 12-month period) and save yourself some cost!

Due to the intense nature of these courses, those looking to enrol should have:

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Experience in supporting swimming lessons or working within an aquatics environment
• Technical knowledge of swimming
• An understanding of Stages 1-7 of the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme
• A basic understanding of lesson planning
• Command of the English language written and spoken to deal with the demands of the paperwork and teaching

It is strongly recommended that before coming on to the Level 2 course, that learners should gain experience between the Level 1 and Level 2 courses. If you do not meet the above.

SEQ Level 3 Managing Learn to Swim Programmes

The New SEQ Level 3 Managing Learn to Swim Programmes qualification has been designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be an effective swim coordinator. It develops a wider view of the swim coordinator’s role in the efficient running of a swim programme, managing the swimming workforce, and communicating with different people . You will learn about the best practices for planning, delivering, and monitoring swimming lessons while being able to manage a swimming programme. The online assessment consists of a range of multiple choice questions and responses to case studies.

Pre-requisites: To be accepted into this programme, you must at least 18 years of age. Experience in swimming teaching and coordinating are recommended, but not compulsory.