GLL has launched a campaign to encourage more people to train to become swimming teachers, in the face of growing demand for swimming lessons.

GLL, which manages 150 municipal swimming pools on behalf of local authorities across the country, including flagship destinations such as the London Aquatics Centre, Crystal Palace National Sports Centre and the Manchester Aquatics Centre has seen a rise in demand with the number of swimming lessons given increase by 15 per cent over the past year, now totalling 141,000 pupils per week. The leisure operator wants to highlight the flexible nature of the job and encourage individuals who enjoy swimming but may not have contemplated working poolside, to get qualified.

Commenting on the campaign, Melanie Silverman, Employer Brand Manager at GLL said: “We’re particularly keen to raise awareness amongst people who may not have previously considered becoming swimming teachers. It is the ideal job for those looking for flexible working, for example parents who want to fit working hours around the school day, or the active retired, who perhaps want to supplement a pension.”

The campaign coincides with new research from the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) which shows that 78% of swim school operators said they find it difficult to recruit sufficient appropriately qualified swimming teachers to meet demand. While 68% of respondents said they had a waiting list for swimming lessons.

Dave Candler, STA’s Chief Executive Officer added: “As an industry we have a big job to do in attracting new people to become qualified. Swimming is the only activity that can save a person’s life, so lots more needs to be done to address these serious recruitment issues. As an educational charity dedicated to saving lives, we are working with both large and small swim school operators in the private and public sector to create positive and practical solutions.”

GLL is offering access to training and qualifications via its partner organisation the GLL College, with everyone who qualifies receiving a guaranteed job interview at a Better leisure centre. Getting qualified can be achieved within five days, with swimming teacher salaries of up to £16.56 per hour.

The next Swimming Teacher Association training course to take place at the London Aquatics Centre runs from 10^th – 17^th September 2018.  For more information on forthcoming courses across the UK visit: https://www.gllcollege.co.uk/courses/