Hydration

It is recommended teachers drink 250mL of water every 20 – 30 minutes to avoid dehydration.

Swim teachers are to take their own personal drink bottles to lessons.

Having water by the side of the pool to consume during shifts will help swim teachers stay alert.

It is recommended for this bottle to be plastic and to have a ‘pop top’ lid.

In above average warmer weather, regardless of whether they work at an indoor or outdoor facility, it is strongly advised that swim teachers consume more than the 250mL every 20 – 30 minutes.

No glass or hot liquids in or around the pool.

Posture

Various body positions are required for skill demonstration or manipulation.

These include standing, squatting, bending etc., both in water and on pool deck.

Demonstration is key to displaying a skill to students, however, ensure you do this in a position where you can actively supervise all students while adhering to Duty of Care.

Manual handling

Lifting, bending, stretching and straining.

Swim teachers should avoid lifting any student (excluding infants) and encourage and teach them to exit the water safely and independently. Support may be offered if necessary.

Large and heavy objects and equipment should only be lifted within recommended weight restrictions and a work procedure document to support the manual handling.

Bending and lifting should always be done using the knees not the back.

Psychological/social demands

Patience, constant commitment and professionalism are required to teach a range of students and skills.

Having the concentration and correct mindset to teach a class correctly, patiently, professionally, positively, safely and with constant commitment can be exhausting.

Being well-rested, happy, alert and ready to start every lesson with all of the above is essential for the students, parents/carers and swim teachers.