Outdoor swimming leaders course hailed as ‘invaluable’ and ‘exciting’

The country’s first course designed specifically for outdoor swimming leaders has been hailed as ‘invaluable’ as it was officially launched by Swim England Qualifications.

The SEQ Level 2 Outdoor Swimming Leader Qualification covers the essential knowledge and leadership skills required to enable individuals to confidently risk assess, plan, prepare and lead safe and effective outdoor swimming sessions.

It is the first recognised outdoor swimming qualification that helps to set industry standards and enhance credibility in the popular, ever-growing activity.

The 28-hour course is broken down into three elements – understanding outdoor swimming, preparing for outdoor swimming and leading outdoor swimming.

Once completed, learners will be able lead groups of up to eight people safely and effectively in sheltered water.

Jenny Davies, one of the learners who took part in the pilot course, praised the qualification.

She said: “This course is invaluable to individuals taking groups out into open water settings.

“From risk assessments and session planning, it gives you the tools to run every event to ensure ultimate safety and enjoyment for all participants.”

Another learner, Richard Smith, added: “This is an exciting development in the Swim England Qualifications suite.”

Inclusive and safe experience

The qualification has been developed with key stakeholders in the aquatics and outdoor swimming sector – and places on the course can be booked now at Swim England Qualifications’ network of approved training centres.

Learners must be 18 or older, have experience of open water swimming and be able to swim at least 800 metres continuously on their front in open water.

During the course, they will be assessed on a number of activities are set by Swim England Qualifications and include theoretical questions, activity specific and daily risk assessments, session planning, observation plus self-evaluation and personal development training.

In addition to the outdoor swimming leader qualification, there is also an open water swimming coach certificate for those who already hold a Swim England Swimming Coach certificate (or ASA equivalent).

This is aimed at current swimming or triathlon coaches looking to take their athletes to the next level in the open water swimming environment.

It builds on the coaching skills already established and provide specific open water competition knowledge such as how to feed during an event and what tactics can be used.

Leigh Tomlinson, qualifications and quality manager for Swim England Qualifications, said: “We’re delighted to have two outstanding educational products available for open water swimming.

“Open water swimming is increasing in popularity and these courses will ensure those completing either the outdoor swimming leader or open water coach are suitably trained and qualified to provide an inclusive and safe experience within an additional water space outside of the traditional pool environment.”

To find out more about the courses, please click here.