Published on: Tuesday 23rd August 2011
Wanted: More Swimming Teachers!
Kirklees Active Leisure now has so many children enrolled on its Learn to Swim programme that staff are seeking more swim teachers.
In total, there are 3,187 children currently taking part in swimming lessons in KAL’s nine pools across the district – which is higher than the last two years. There are an additional few hundred more children in one to one lessons, not to mention more than 500 adults in both private and group lessons.
Holmfirth Pool has 554 children in lessons this month, which is the highest amount in any KAL pool ever.
But with demand for lessons so high, our 80 teachers are being stretched and waiting lists at some centres are getting longer.
Jane Donarski, KAL’s corporate aquatics manager, said: “We are thrilled that all our promotion and outreach work is attracting more and more children into our lessons, but we are getting desperate for more teachers.
“Some of our teachers have been promoted to duty manager level, so can’t teach as many hours as previously.
“We are looking for swimming teachers who are ‘ASA level 2’ or ‘STA Full’ qualified. All applicants have an enhanced CRB check.
“Our teachers work a variety of hours per week, so the hours can suit you. Ideally, you will be teaching from foundation level (adult and child) to more advanced swimming stages.
“We can also provide training to upskill teachers, and to be able to teach specialist classes such as adult and child, synchronised swimming, disability swimming, waterpolo and even diving.”
Jane added: “It’s so important for youngsters to learn to swim, especially now so many go on holiday to places where there are pools.
“There is always the water safety aspect, which is extremely important, but learning to swim also gives young children a massive confidence boost. They can enjoy having fun in the water with their friends and family and because it works every muscle in the body, they keep fit and healthy at the same time.”
If you are interested please ring Jane Donarski on 01484 234127 or email kalswimmingdevelopment@kirklees.gov.uk
We are moving to a new style of swimming scheme called KAL Swim Academy which is being rolled out to all sites over the next few weeks. Huddersfield Sports Centre and Stadium Pool have already changed to the new scheme based on the ASA national plan for teaching swimming.
Our swimming pools no longer run enrolment days, lessons are being taught on a rolling basis, rather than in blocks of 12. Children are moved up into the next group when they are ready and parents now pay by direct debit.
To find out more about swimming lessons, go to www.kirkleesactive.co.uk/swimming
