Level 1 Swim Assistant

SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching)

This course is delivered for SwimmingFirst, a Swim England approved training centre.

You can find out more about SwimmingFirst here.

We run both L1 and L2 swim teaching courses throughout the year at various times and locations. Some courses are entirely face to face and some are blended with online theory and face to face practical. ​For more information or to register your interest please email us at hello@wilddogfitness.co.uk

This course develops your knowledge, skills and abilities as an assistant swimming teacher. It will enable you to actively support a qualified swimming teacher in the delivery of a planned learn to swim session

Why do you need this qualification?

This course is your first step to becoming a fully qualified Swimming Teacher. The SEQ Level 1 allows you to assist a Level 2 teacher in the delivery of swimming lessons for all ages.

How long does it last?

There is no expiry date on a Swim Teaching qualification, although Swim England does recommend you attend regular CPD to keep your ideas and knowledge fresh and up to date.

Course Prerequisites

Every candidate must be at least 16 years of age at the time of taking the assessment. ​​No prior knowledge or experience of teaching is required.

Course Content

The total qualification time for the course is 30 hours (26 hours guided learning time)​On this course you will learn about:

• The legal aspects of assisting in swimming lessons

• The responsibilities of a Swimming Assistant

• The swimming pathway, fundamental movement, core aquatic skills and component parts of strokes

• Scientific principles of swimming

• What makes up a lesson plan, equipment and communications skills

• How to identify anxiety and use of motivational techniques

• The type of assistance you can provide

How will I be assessed?

Assessment for the SEQ L1 is through a combination of methods:

Theoretical questions completed throughout the course under the guidance of the tutor

Observation record - the tutor will observe your ability to assist within the lessons

Review Record - you will review your own performance.​

This qualification is not graded, it is either a pass or a referral.

What are my next steps?

If you have completed your Level 1 and would like to become a fully qualified swimming teacher why not move on to the SEQ Level 2? If you would like to complement your teaching with a rescue test you could consider the NRASTC course. If you would like to further diversify and develop your role within the swimming sector then you could consider completing a full NPLQ lifeguard qualification.