STA Swimming Courses and Certification
Dive into an exciting career as a swimming teacher with our STA Approved Swimming Courses.
Dive into an exciting career as a swimming teacher with our STA Approved Swimming Courses.
Fiona qualified as a Level 2 swimming teacher over 20 years ago. Since then, she has achieved remarkable milestones in her aquatic career. Notably, she established her own swim school and also served as a swimming teacher at a leading prep school in Kent. Apart from her tutoring responsibilities, Fiona plays a pivotal role in coaching at Sevenoaks Swimming Club and managing the highly successful Learn to Swim program known as Sevenoaks Minnows.
Each of our STA Swimming courses is guided by fully qualified STA Tutors, always ready to go above and beyond to help you succeed in your qualification.
Please review the list below for course details. We’re here to chat and guide you in choosing the right course.
Additionally, we maintain strong connections with local swim schools. After you successfully obtain your qualification, we will be more than willing to assist you in finding suitable employment opportunities within the area.
Safety Training Awards (STA) is an Awarding Organisation that not only offers and certificates vocational qualifications across a range of disciplines but also ensures that these qualifications are designed to meet both legal requirements and national occupational standards for various industries. This approach provides you with the confidence and reassurance you need to develop your career professionally.
This comprehensive qualification combines everything you need to become a confident and capable swimming teacher in one streamlined course, replacing the previous Award and Certificate structure. Aligned with CIMSPA’s updated Swimming Teacher Professional Standard, it equips you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to teach across the full learn-to-swim pathway for all ages and abilities.
You will develop expertise in core swimming strokes, water safety, survival and rescue techniques, and learn how to plan, deliver, and evaluate progressive, inclusive lessons tailored to individual needs. With a strong focus on communication, professionalism, and safe poolside practice, this course ensures that by the end, you are fully prepared to teach independently and deliver engaging, effective, and safe swimming lessons.
This qualification provides a clear and supported pathway into swimming teaching, combining professional training with ongoing development. On completion, you’ll receive eight CPDs, 12 months of STA membership (including Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance), and access to webinars, resources, and expert guidance.
Designed for both newcomers and those already working in leisure, the course requires no prior teaching experience—just a passion for swimming and helping others. With a strong practical focus, flexible delivery options, and alignment to CIMSPA standards, it is a modern, industry-recognised qualification that prepares you to teach confidently while continuing to grow within a network of over 20,000 aquatic professionals.
This qualification is designed to give you a strong, credible start as a baby and pre-school swimming teacher, combining expert-led training with recognised industry standards. Developed by STA’s aquatic specialists and regulated across the UK, it equips you with the skills and confidence to teach parents, babies, and pre-school children effectively.
On completion, you’ll be qualified to deliver adult and child lessons, including the STARFISH and STAnley stages of STA’s International Learn to Swim Programme, opening clear employment opportunities in the sector.
You’ll also benefit from ongoing professional development through CPDs, a comprehensive resource manual to support your teaching, and continued access to expert guidance, insurance, and member benefits through STA—ensuring you stay supported and up to date throughout your career.
Tailored to learners, teachers, or assistants engaged in teaching swimming lessons or other aquatic activities, this qualification is meticulously designed to cater to a broad spectrum of roles.
Accessible to individuals aged 14 years and older, this course encompasses a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge necessary to establish a secure working environment. The curriculum includes CPR, first aid, and poolside emergency/rescue techniques, effectively equipping participants. Moreover, this course can serve as an initial step into the realm of Lifesaving.
Structured as a 1-day program, with a recommended 6 hours of contact time (excluding breaks), there are instances where the course might span over two weeks. In such cases, a minimum of 2 hours per session is suggested.
Assessment for this qualification is conducted through practical demonstrations of CPR and pool rescue skills, coupled with the completion of a theory-based multiple-choice assessment paper.
We are available to travel to deliver this Award. This can be helpful for schools or organisations who wish the training to be specific to their pool environment.
St Stephen’s Primary School / Directions
Hunters Chase,
South Godstone,
Surrey RH9 8HR
Sevenoaks Leisure Centre / Directions
Buckhurst Lane
Sevenoaks TN13 1LW
Swim Tutor ATC
Centre coordinator: Fiona Leeson
Email: hello@swimtutor.co.uk
Mobile: 07753204141