I Want To Coach Swimming

Swim Ireland coaches will build on the knowledge and skills provided by swimming teachers within ‘learn to swim’ programmes.

Becoming a coach is a great opportunity to develop and support aquatic sport within your local area, at a national and international level.

Responsibilities will include further cultivating and refining performance in the respective aquatic discipline.

This includes non-competitive, competitive, and elite performance in line with Long Term Athlete Development.

Where do I start?

Start by checking out our Qualification Timeline which outlines the steps in becoming a Swim Ireland qualified coach.

If you are a member of a swimming club, you can also have a chat with your club coaches or committee.

Communication, an interest in learning and observational skills are the most important. You will learn the technical aspects of swimming during your coach education journey.

• Planning, delivery, and evaluation of a training programme for one of more squads.
• Developing swimming skills and competitive swimming strokes.
• Evaluating swimmer progress.
• Reflecting and evaluating on own performance.
• Planning for professional development.
• Prepare and deliver session plans and training cycles.
• A Level 2 Swimming coach will also be responsible for the Level 1 Assistant Swimming Coaches.

• Safeguarding Level 1.
• Access NI.
• Swim Ireland Level 1 Assistant Swimming Coach.
• Swim Ireland Level 2 Swimming Coach.
• Continuous Professional Development (delivered annually).

Swim Ireland deliver regular coaching swimming courses both virtually and in person. All practical elements of the course are delivered in person.

Explore the courses available.

There are three levels of qualification within swimming coaching in Ireland:

• Level 1 is designed to introduce the knowledge, skills, and practices for the safe, ethical and effective support of coaching sessions.
• Level 2 builds on the knowledge, skills and practices developed at Level 1 and will introduce additional further principles surrounding sport science in relation to the aquatic environment.
• The Level 3 Coaching qualification will ensure coaches have the skills to work with competitive and elite performers in line with Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) across all elements of water based and land-based training activities. Attendees will also develop the skills to identify when athletes require additional input from support professionals and how to access this.

Approximately £475 for Level 1 Assistant Swimming Coach course and £775 for Level 2 Swimming Coach course.

The course is broken down into three steps:

1. Online module (self-guided learning) takes approx. 8 hours.
2. Virtual classroom (theory) is delivered in four 2 ½ hour sessions (10 hours total).
3. Practical (on poolside) is delivered in 8 hours.

Yes, depending on the profile of swimmers in the club you may have an opportunity to coach swimmers with a disability. 

In Northern Ireland coaching swimming is primarily a part-time or voluntary role. There are some full-time coaching opportunities and there may also be opportunities to engage with regional and national squads.