Become a swim teacher

The starting point for individuals who want to become certified swimming teachers and begin teaching beginner swimmers with confidence. Covers the fundamentals of lesson planning, water safety, class management and basic stroke development.

Well suited to those entering the aquatics industry through a structured, internationally recognised certification pathway. On completion, you'll be equipped to conduct beginner-level lessons in a professional swim school.

For instructors who want to progress beyond foundational teaching and develop stronger coaching and corrective skills. Builds on Level 1 with advanced stroke improvement, swimmer progression and lesson structure.

Ideal for teachers ready to raise their instructional standard, take on more advanced classes, and grow their responsibilities within a swim school.

A specialist programme for teaching infants and toddlers in the water together with a parent or caregiver — covering early water familiarisation, safety practices, parent-child interaction and age-appropriate activities.

Ideal for instructors or swim schools offering early childhood aquatic programmes, and for guiding parents through a positive first experience in the water.

Designed for instructors who want to work specifically with adult learners, including beginners and those returning to swimming later in life — addressing fear of water, confidence barriers and fitness-based goals.

Especially valuable for teachers who want to serve a broader market and support adults learning a life skill, improving fitness, or overcoming long-held fears around water.

For experienced swim professionals ready to train and mentor other teachers — preparing candidates to independently train and certify swim teachers.

A strong pathway for leadership and educator development, especially relevant for business owners building their own teaching team and internal training standards.

A comprehensive emergency response programme training participants as first responders — covering first aid, CPR, oxygen administration and Automated External Defibrillator support.

Strengthens safety readiness and professional credibility for anyone teaching or working around children, adults or vulnerable participants in the water.

A foundational understanding of how water supports movement, recovery and general wellbeing — introducing aquatic rehabilitation, water-supported exercise and the therapeutic benefits of buoyancy and resistance.

A practical entry point for instructors, coaches and wellness professionals exploring aquatic applications beyond learn-to-swim.

For those deepening their knowledge and applying more advanced hydrotherapy methods — refined programming, condition-specific adaptation and supporting clients with mobility limitations or recovery needs.

Builds on foundational principles for professionals delivering specialised aquatic wellness or rehabilitation services.

Introduces water as a training environment for low-impact fitness, movement development and general conditioning — safe programme design, exercise selection and using water resistance for effective sessions.

Suitable for instructors wanting to offer engaging alternatives to land-based training.

Builds on Level 1 with more advanced programming, coaching methods and performance-focused session design — for conditioning, specialised client needs or premium small-group sessions.

Helps instructors move into a more refined, results-oriented approach and differentiate their services.

Lifesaving 1, 2 and 3 introduce the fundamental skills and techniques for water safety and rescue — equipping learners with the preliminary knowledge to keep themselves safe and help others in aquatic environments. Lifesaving 3 extends into advanced skills such as resuscitation and water rescue, forming a preparatory foundation for the Bronze Medallion award.

Led by trainer Kelson Wong (NS LTC), formerly Chief Human Resources Officer in the Army and ex-President of the Temasek Lifesaving Team. Six 2-hour training sessions plus a final assessment, held Saturdays and Sundays 2:00–4:00pm at SUTD. Open to swimmers aged 9–13, subject to a swimming ability assessment.

A 1.5-hour squad session for continuous skill development and fitness — maintaining and sharpening lifesaving techniques after completing the Lifesaving levels. Sessions run 3:30–5:00pm.

Swimmers who complete Lifesaving 3 and are 14, or turning 14 in the examination year, can progress to the professional Bronze Medallion course with an external provider such as the Singapore Life Saving Society (SLSS).