Teaching swimming lessons in your backyard pool is a rewarding summer job. And by doing this, you’re not just a teacher, you’re a business owner. There are a lot of steps beyond just becoming an instructor needed for this. So if you’re looking to be your own boss and help your students develop a love for aquatics, here’s what you need to do:
Become an affiliate and a seasonal swim licensee
Anyone offering Lifesaving Society programs (like Swim for Life®, our swim program) must be an Affiliate and have a Swim License from the Society. This means that you pay annual fees and are treated by the Society as an affiliated business trusted to deliver our programs. See the fees list here.
Not all businesses run year-round, so the Society offers Affiliates seasonal licenses for the summer (May 1 to Sept 30). This is an additional fee, but as a Swim Licensee, you get exclusive access to all the resources you need to teach the Swim for Life program including worksheets, lesson plans, progress reports and more. You can also purchase additional materials like badges or seals (stickers) for the programs you run by using this form.
As an Affiliate, you’re expected to represent the Society and yourself professionally. You’re expected to be familiar with the Society’s programs and follow the rules and policies outlined in our Program Guide. We take aquatics and safety seriously, and so should you!
If you’re ready to become an Affiliate, complete this New Affiliate Member Application form. Once the form and payment have been processed, the Society will send a Swim for Life License Agreement for you to sign and return.
Have and maintain your certifications
To teach backyard swimming lessons, you should hold the following certifications:
- Swim Instructor
- Bronze Cross and/or National Lifeguard
- Basic First Aid
It’s important for you to maintain your certifications and stay “current.” To maintain a current certification, award holders must recertify within 24 months. It’s your responsibility to keep track of your status and recertify when needed. You can check your certification status on our website.
Have insurance
One of the most common questions we get from instructors and lifeguards is about insurance. Insurance is required to teach (or lifeguard) in your own backyard pool. You may be covered under your (or your parents’) home insurance policy, but it is best to confirm this with the insurance provider. If you are not covered, it is your responsibility to ensure that you secure adequate liability insurance on your own by contacting an insurance broker. The Society strongly recommends that you purchase General Commercial Liability Insurance. You can begin your search by checking with insurance provider McFarlan Rowlands.
Know your community bylaws
Most municipalities have bylaws relating to the operation of a business in a home setting. Contact your local bylaw office to verify what regulations apply to your situation and ensure you are operating within the law.
Prepare your backyard
Create a safe learning environment by ensuring your backyard and pool are equipped with the necessary safety equipment. The Lifesaving Society’s Backyard Pool Safety Checklist is a useful tool to help you set up a safe teaching environment.
Some equipment you might need are lifejackets, noodles, flutter boards and pool toys (both sinking and floating). Visit LifeguardDepot.com to stock up.
Finally, ensure that you create and regularly practice your emergency plan in your backyard pool setting, and that others in the home are familiar with it so everyone is prepared. This is crucial for the safety of everyone in or near the swimming pool and the integrity of the programs you deliver.
Need more help?
If you need help with any of the above or have any other questions, contact Sindy Parsons.