Churchlands Cadets complete Swim Teacher training

Ten students from Churchlands Senior High School’s Cadets swimming program completed the Swim Teacher by Royal Life Saving course during the recent July school holidays, gaining the skills and knowledge to become teachers of swimming and water safety.

Churchlands SHS has a long history of producing top-level swimmers, with a dedicated swimming pool and Swim School within the school grounds. The Cadets Special Swimming Program is managed by the school’s Head of Health & Physical Education, Chris Van Maanen. 

The Cadets program offers opportunities for students to learn lifesaving skills, achieve first aid qualifications and experience other aquatic opportunities such as the recent Swim Teacher training. “They are all great swimmers and committed young adults – they love their swimming and have found their experiences in swimming to be positive,” says Chris of his Cadets.

“I wanted my students to do the course as an extension of their time in our swim program. They have had a lot of help and support and many of them feel the need to pay it forward by teaching younger children how to swim as well.”

The course was led by qualified swimming instructor Jo Foulkes, who was impressed with the group’s swimming abilities. “They are all squad swimmers so they are current with their skills to draw on, so would make good teachers understanding the fundamentals already.” 

It was great to see some male students completing the course too. Jo said that the males in the group wanted “to inspire more male teachers and mentor them.”

Feedback from the group was that they enjoyed the course and found the content interesting and engaging. One student said “the training was fun and engaging and helped me find motivation and increased my confidence.”

The Swim Teacher by Royal Life Saving course is a great pathway to working in the aquatic industry. Swim teaching is fun and rewarding work and is a great job for students who are planning to further their studies as well as those who want to make a career out of it.

If you’re interested in learning how to teach swimming and water safety skills, please visit the link below.