How To Become an Instructor

SWAM instructors come from diverse backgrounds but all are dedicated student volunteers. Although our typical instructor recruitment periods are August-September and December-January, we are always looking for new instructors! Please note that if you apply outside of the aforementioned recruitment periods, our response may be slower than usual.

In addition to strong swimming skills, qualified applicants will have:

  • Teaching experience (preferably, but not necessarily, swimming-related)
  • Experience working with children
  • Experience working with persons with disabilities

Because SWAM is a non-certificate program, possession of valid certifications (such as NLS or WSI) is not a formal requirement to becoming an instructor (although it is a strong asset). A fully certified lifeguard is always on duty during lessons.

In order to successfully register as an instructor you must upload a copy of a valid criminal record check (CRC), CRC's are normally valid for a full year and so if you required one for your summer job you may use the same one. If you do not have a CRC SWAM Canada has paired up with Sterling BackCheck, this online service provides CRCs/VSCs within hours for $25. SWAM Canada will now be accepting Sterling Backcheck's Enhanced Record Check for CRCs this semester. Follow the link below if you wish to use this online service.

https://www.sterlingbackcheck.ca/services/enhanced-police-information-check-e-pic/

Our registration form is currently closed.

Instructor Testimonials

“I love the casual and comfortable environment that S.W.A.M. provides. We are a team who not only supports one another, but also the children and the families we meet. It is a time full of fun and learning for both the swimmers and the instructors.”
 
“I’m a fairly new instructor with S.W.A.M. and I love it. It’s a great way to help out the community and get to know some amazing kids. The people I work with are all so nice and helpful and between them and the enthusiastic kids every minute of it is a blast. There’s no feeling that compares to when one of the sweet kids gets excited because they learned a new skill or are doing something they love.”