Career Opportunities and Demand for Swim Teachers

Why Swim Teachers Are in Higher Demand Than Ever—and How to Ride the Wave

Australia’s love for water runs deep—literally and culturally. From backyard pools to surf clubs and swim carnivals, swimming is a national rite of passage. But here’s a growing concern: while demand for swim education is rising, the number of qualified swim teachers isn’t keeping pace.

Quick answer? There’s a critical shortage of trained swim instructors—especially those specialising in infant and preschool aquatics. And that gap is creating serious career opportunities for those ready to dive in.

Why is demand for swim teachers skyrocketing?

There are three big drivers behind the surging demand:

• Post-COVID swim skill gap: Many children missed critical early lessons during lockdowns. Parents are now scrambling to catch up, especially for under-fives.

• Rising awareness of water safety: The Royal Life Saving Society reports toddler drownings remain one of Australia’s biggest water-related risks. Parents are starting earlier than ever with water familiarisation.

• Government and council funding: Local initiatives and grants are ramping up investment in early years swim programs, meaning more lesson slots… and more teachers needed to fill them.

Simply put, the demand is there. The limiting factor? A shortage of qualified instructors.

Is teaching infant swimming really that different?

Yes—and it’s why specialised training matters. Teaching babies and toddlers isn't just about splashing around. It requires:

• Understanding child development and sensory processing

• Communicating with both parents and young learners

• Creating safe yet enriching aquatic experiences

This is where many instructors hit a wall. They’ve got general swim teaching credentials, but not the specific training to confidently lead infant and preschool classes. That’s a missed opportunity—because these classes often have waitlists out the door.

What kind of person thrives as an infant swim teacher?

Think of it this way: if you love the idea of helping tiny humans build lifelong water confidence while supporting anxious parents along the way, this could be your sweet spot.

Great infant swim teachers tend to be:

• Calm and emotionally attuned

• Energetic and playful

• Patient with both kids and caregivers

• Curious about early learning and behaviour

It's not about being a former athlete or having years of experience in the water. It's about people skills, emotional intelligence, and the right training.

What are the career perks of becoming an infant swim teacher?

Beyond the joy of helping little ones develop life-saving skills, there are tangible benefits to specialising in infant swim instruction:

• Year-round work: Unlike other seasonal swim gigs, infant classes run all year due to consistent demand from new parents.

• Flexible hours: Ideal for parents, students, or career-changers looking for work-life balance.

• High hourly rates: Specialist swim teachers can command better pay, especially if they're certified for infant and preschool programs.

• Community impact: Few jobs offer the chance to save lives and support families every single day.

And here's the kicker: many swim schools actively recruit for these roles and may subsidise your training just to get you onboard.

How do you become qualified to teach infants and preschoolers?

In Australia, one of the most recognised pathways is through the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics certification. It’s a nationally accredited course that builds on core swim teaching qualifications and focuses on:

• Child development and learning theory

• Practical water-based teaching strategies

• Safety, inclusion, and parent engagement

Courses combine online theory with face-to-face practical workshops, making them accessible even for those juggling other commitments.

Is this a good career move if you're already a swim instructor?

Absolutely. In fact, diversifying your skills into the infant space can give you an edge over other candidates. Many experienced instructors find it opens up:

• Leadership and mentorship opportunities

• The ability to work across all program levels

• A stronger relationship with swim schools and families

It also supports your career longevity. Infant classes are less physically demanding than older age groups, making them a great option as your teaching years progress.

What do real instructors say?

“I started out teaching school-age kids, but when I shifted to infants, everything changed. The connection with the families, the early learning journey—it’s incredibly fulfilling.”— Sarah, swim instructor, NSW

“We had to turn away families because we didn’t have enough trained infant teachers. If you’ve ever thought about it, now’s the time to upskill.”— Matt, swim school manager, VIC

Social proof like this highlights what behavioural experts like Cialdini call the “bandwagon effect”—when we see others thriving in a role, it lowers the risk and increases appeal. It's not just a job; it's becoming part of a valued community.

What’s the long-term outlook for infant swim teachers?

This isn’t a fad. Early years swim education is a core part of Australia’s drowning prevention strategy—and it’s only getting more emphasis. The next decade is likely to see:

• Greater funding for early swim programs

• Integration with early childhood education settings

• A push for more inclusive and culturally aware swim programs

In short: getting qualified now means you’ll be in demand for years to come.

FAQ

Q: Do I need prior swim teaching experience to take the infant swim teacher course?A: Yes, it builds on a general swim teaching qualification like the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety. It's a specialist extension.

Q: How long does the certification take?A: Most complete it in a few weeks, combining online learning with in-pool practical sessions.

Q: Can I do it part-time?A: Definitely. It’s designed to be flexible and accessible for working professionals, students, and parents alike.

If you’re already teaching or thinking about a new direction in 2025, becoming an infant swim teacher could be one of the smartest career pivots out there. Australia needs you—and the little ones do too.

For those curious about the broader national impact of swim safety, check out this report by Royal Life Saving Australia.