FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Empowering the Swim Industry

As the demand for quality swim instruction continues to grow, it is essential for industry professionals to stay ahead of the curve and elevate their expertise. USSSA is excited to have launched a groundbreaking new swim instructor certification that not only fulfills this need but also emphasizes the collective power of USSSA to achieve greatness together.

THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY SWIM INSTRUCTION:

We all know that quality swim instruction plays a pivotal role in fostering water safety, promoting physical fitness, and enhancing overall confidence in the water.

As the learn to swim industry continues to grow, the need for well-trained and competent swim instructors becomes increasingly evident. Not only do instructors teach essential skills, but they do so in an aquatic environment that warrants a fundamental understanding of safety and standards.

RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR A NEW CERTIFICATION:

While traditional swim instructor certifications have served the industry well, the evolving landscape of swimming education necessitates a fresh approach. Our new swim instructor certification, the Certified Fundamental Swim Instructor (CFSI), is designed to educate instructors on the fundamental knowledge that should be held by all instructors, while leaving the curriculum education to the expertise of swim school owners.

THE POWER OF INDUSTRY COLLABORATION:

At the heart of our new certification program lies the recognition that the swim instruction industry can only reach its full potential through collaboration and collective efforts. I would like to recognize the countless hours of writing, reviewing, and editing of content as well as the certification exam by our task force volunteers. The Power of USSSA is strong and our CFSI is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work together.

As the learn to swim industry continues to evolve, it is essential for professionals to stay at the forefront of innovation and expertise. Our new swim instructor certification represents a vital step towards enhancing the industry’s standards, promoting collaboration, and empowering instructors to provide top-notch instruction. By recognizing the power of industry unity, we can collectively elevate the swimming education landscape, fostering a safer, healthier, and more vibrant aquatic community for all.

I encourage each of you to identify at least one swim instructor at your swim school, to register and start on the path to becoming a CFSI. You can learn more as well as watch FAQ videos at usswimschools.org/cfsi

LISA M. ZARDA, CAE, CNAP Executive Director | US Swim School Association

With a little help from “write an article for a trade magazine that talks about the reasons why a new swim instructor certification we offer is vital to the industry and how we have power together to elevate the industry” prompt. ChatGPT, July 6, 2023, OpenAI, chat.openai.com.