Twenty-year-old university student Sara Dofash recently became a swimming instructor and is thoroughly enjoying her new job teaching others vital swimming and water safety skills.
Sara is an avid swimmer herself and decided teaching others to enjoy her sport would be a great job while she is studying her double degree in law and human resource management at uni. “I’ve always had an affinity to the water, and I enjoy problem solving and working with others. Becoming a swim teacher basically ticked my boxes and called out to me!” she said.
Sara completed the Swim Teacher by Royal Life Saving course, which provides successful participants with an industry-recognised swim teacher qualification for swimming and water safety instruction. “I had no formal aquatic experience before the course, just a passion for swimming!”
“I really enjoyed the two-day course. The trainer was well informed and always kept the material interesting. The course itself was very practical, with the majority of the time actually being in the water – get ready to get a little cold! I definitely recommend the course for anyone looking to become a swimming instructor. It is very informative and provides a direct pathway on getting your teaching qualifications.”
The WA State Government has provided student funding for the Swim Teacher course through its Skills Ready initiative. This was a bonus for Sara who was already on the path to become a swim teacher. “I was eligible for the government funding. It came as a nice surprise because I had actually decided to undertake the training before I found out about the funding.”
Sara completed the practical component of the course at Royal Life Saving WA Endorsed Swim School Swim Mechanix Success. “I enjoyed working with a number of experienced instructors who gave me valuable insight on different teaching styles. The team there was very welcoming and great to work with.”
“I was also able to experience teaching a variety of students, such as adult classes or children with special needs, which was really interesting,” said Sara. Swim Mechanix has since employed Sara as a swim teacher at the school, where she is enjoying her new role. “The facility and the team there is lovely which makes being a swim teacher even more enjoyable.”
Sara has always enjoyed teaching and helping others, previously volunteering her time at primary schools teaching maths and English. “I look forward to sharing my passion with other people and seeing students grow their confidence in the water.”
Learn more about how you, too, can help others grow their confidence in the water by becoming a swim teacher:
