A NEW initiative to solve a swimming teacher shortage has been launched in Cheshire West and Chester.

The Institute of Swimming has launched a Swimming Teachers’ Academy, offering local people the chance to retrain and embark on a career as a swimming teacher for just £79 - a fraction of the usual £1,000 cost.

Brio Leisure, a wholly-owned subsidiary company of Cheshire West and Chester Council, is looking to train and recruit 18 new swimming teachers across six of its leisure centres; Christleton Sports Centre, Northgate Arena, Ellesmere Port Sports Village, Neston Recreation Centre, Winsford Lifestyle Centre and Northwich Memorial Court.

The Academy hopes to address the stark warning from the national governing body, Swim England, that half a million children in England are currently missing out on learning to swim due to staff shortages, which have been exasperated through lockdowns and Brexit.

A Swim England survey of swimming pool operators, owners and swim schools found more than four in five are still struggling to meet the demand for swimming lessons – almost 12 months after pools reopened.

People are being invited to become swimming teachers to tackle a shortage.

People are being invited to become swimming teachers to tackle a shortage.

Kerry Goryl, operations director at Brio Leisure, said: “With six pools across the borough, Brio Leisure offers a wide range of quality sessions for children and adults. Following the pandemic and multiple lockdowns, we have seen a demand for lessons increase and we currently have high occupancy at 97 per cent in all our swimming lessons, across all our sites and at all levels.

“With swimming and water safety a valuable life skill, the Institute of Swimming’s revolutionary academy will help find and train new swimming teachers, ensuring they have the experience and ability to support those learning to swim.

"The academy will allow Brio Leisure to expand its Learn to Swim programme, cover staff sickness and support more people to feel confident in the water, ensuring a fun experience for all.

“This is a great opportunity to be a part of a friendly and inclusive team. As a swim teacher, you can work flexible hours to suit your lifestyle, support existing income or work alongside your studies and other responsibilities.

"If you are a confident swimmer, you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, and are looking for a new opportunity, then this could be the job for you!”

The Academy gives people the chance to become a swimming teacher for £79 and takes them through the Swim England Level One Swimming Assistant (Teaching) Course and Level Two Teaching Swimming Qualification. The usual cost of these two courses is £1000.

In addition to the training, applicants will also receive a year's membership to the Institute of Swimming and access to the online Introduction to Swimming Strokes - Continuing Professional Development (CPD).