What is the course?

The instructor training course will earn you qualifications in the New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (level 3) Swim and Water Safety Teacher. This is an NZQA level 3 qualification and earns you 40 achievement credits. The qualification allows you to develop your skills as a Swim Instructor.

Unit Unit Standard Title Level Credits
29848 Demonstrate knowledge of safe work procedures and practices in a recreation workplace 3 5
29849 Demonstrate knowledge of professional practice in a recreation workplace 3 5
30122 Operate professionally and promote safe, enjoyable experiences in an aquatic facility 3 15
30125 Plan, deliver, and review swimming and water safety lessons 3 15
TOTAL CREDITS: 40

What will you learn?

This course will prepare you to begin your swim teaching career. At the end of the course, our aim is for you to be competent and confident to teach your own classes for school-age levels. We will cover:

1) Developing Skills

  • Foundation aquatic skills
  • Stages of the learn to swim process
  • Understanding skill progressions
  • Water safety

2) Instructing

  • Strategies for teaching different abilities in one class
  • Learning styles
  • Effective learning environment
  • Stages of skill learning
  • Teaching strategies
  • Teaching methods
  • Methods and barriers of communication
  • Characteristics of swimmers
  • Class management

3) Lesson Planning and Evaluations

  • Planning
  • Content
  • Teaching points
  • Evaluations and Reflections

4) Health and Safety

  • Health and safety
  • Duty of care

Who can complete the qualification?

You need at least 16 years old, employed in the industry and working in New Zealand. If you are not currently employed, you can talk to us about potentially becoming a volunteer.

How long is the course?

The course is approximately 19 hours total, composed of 3 days of training and a 1-hour assessment. The training days are generally structured as 3.5 hours of theory work and 2.5 hours of practical work.

How is the course assessed?

To successfully complete the qualification, you need to complete some post course work which includes:

1) A series of 10 sequential lesson plans and evaluations (or 2 sets of 5) that are completed on classes you teach after the course
2) Complete an ‘Understanding of Swim & Water Safety Teaching’ questionnaire.
3) You will then need to be observed by an NZAET Assessor delivering 2 classes. This can also be submitted in a video format.

If you are unsuccessful in passing the assessment, you would be required to be retested at a later date at your own expense.
Once this is signed off by your assessor you will be awarded the qualification and registered with New Zealand Register of Recreation Professionals. The registration has to be completed every 3 years to remain current.

What does the course cost?

3 Day theory & Practical Includes Pre-course online preparation
Skills Active registration & certification
Course workbook and take home notes
On course assessment & feedback
Post course evaluation and accreditation.
$525.00

Course fees are payable upon invoice at least 14 days in advance of the course date.
Payment may be by credit card or bank transfer.
Fees can/may be refunded with 7 days’ notice of non-participation prior to the start of the course.
Course dates may be varied or canceled at the discretion of NZAET.

Course Calendar ENQUIRE TODAY

Monday 20th January – Wednesday 22nd January 2025 9am-4pm, Mt Eden Pool

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