Your club and all the people who can't swim really need you. Many club activities rely on volunteers. If you love swimming and already have your ABC diploma, you can become an instructor. You'll teach people how to swim and make sure they enjoy it enough to keep coming back. That last part is a big challenge. Many people enjoy being in or around water, but they don't keep up with swimming. As a result, they face significant risks when near water on vacation or if they unexpectedly find themselves in water.
To become an instructor, you need to be at least 16 years old and can participate in a social service program within ExpeditieRED. You'll be trained to become an instructor level 2. This is an officially recognized diploma by NOC*NSF, equivalent to level 2 in the MBO system, if you obtain it through the KNZB (Royal Dutch Swimming Federation). If you don't obtain a KNZB diploma, you'll receive a certificate from us. We adhere to the same quality standards as the KNZB. You'll learn especially how to:
- Manage groups and individuals within groups.
- Create a safe environment.
- Deliver engaging lessons with enthusiasm.
- Teach techniques to children or adults.
- Execute lesson programs.
- Ensure participants have fun and feel satisfied with their progress.
We employ various methods, including games and other challenges, to make it more enjoyable for children or to instill more confidence and enjoyment in older individuals in the water.
A social service time trajectory lasts up to 6 months, during which you teach for about 40 hours per month in the pool. In total, you are active for 80 hours during those 6 months.
Which group you teach depends on your choice. You can teach:
- Very young children together with their parents.
- Children aged 5-9.
- Elderly people who want to resume swimming.
- Status holders who have never learned to swim.
You will be guided in your choices, both during the trajectory and afterwards. What you will do is discussed with the coordinator of ExpeditieRED.
Of course, we collaborate with your club. It needs to align with their goals as well. Together with each club, we assess their needs and desires. We also identify who can mentor you and ensure that you feel comfortable.
You can also train to become a Fibby instructor, who operates outside of the club.
- You'll be working with young children and their parents.
- Your role involves ensuring that both parents and children feel safe and have fun in the water.
- You'll aim to make the lessons a quality time experience for both the parent and the child.
To ensure effective collaboration with associations, ExpeditieRED operates exclusively in Southwest Netherlands.
If you're not a member of an association and have little swimming experience, you can still become an assistant. Additionally, young people working as summer pool attendants can take a Lifeguard course.
Separate training programs and tasks exist for assistant-1, coach-2, and Lifeguard roles.