Swim Ireland are always on the lookout for experienced and knowledgeable coaches and teachers to share their passion and knowledge with the next generation.

To become a Swim Ireland tutor you will need to complete the Certificate in Sports Coach Development Programme.

This programme replaces the Swim Ireland Tutor programme and is run in conjunction with Sport Ireland Coaching.

The programme involves two stages:

1. Stage 1 is delivered directly by Sport Ireland Coaching over ten contact days with activities to complete in between the contact periods.
2. Stage 2 takes place with Swim Ireland where learners apply the knowledge and skills learned in Stage 1 in an aquatic environment and completes their course attachment with a Swim Ireland Coach Developer Assessor.

The programme can take 12-18 months to complete, learners have a maximum of two years to complete the programme.

The programme is recognised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and is included on the National Framework of Qualifications as a Level 7 Special Purpose Award in Sports Coach Development (PG24650).

Learners who complete the qualification will receive a QQI certificate and 45 credits, which they can use to access Further and Higher Education. Learners will also receive a Sport Ireland Coaching certificate.

  • Hold a Swim Ireland Level 2 coaching or teaching qualification.
  • Be actively coaching/ teaching for at least five years.
  • Active Garda Vetting/ Access NI credentials. Successful applicants will be required to reapply for Garda Vetting/ Access NI on programme commencement.
  • Active Safeguarding Level 1 credentials.
  • Active Register of Aquatic Professionals credentials.
  • Meet Swim Ireland technical assessment requirements (outlined below).
  • Minimum 21 years of age.
  • IELTS Level 6 or equivalent (for applicants whose first language is not English).

Applicants will also be required to pass a technical exam and participate in an interview process prior to selection for the tutor training programme.

Click here to apply for our 2025 Programme

Full Cost €1750
Registration Fee (on booking) €50
Instalment 1 €600
Instalment 2 €600
Instalment 3 €500

This covers the full cost of the Tutor training programme including the assessment (training & assessment of all elements of the course, course materials, Swim Ireland Tutor uniform, Tutor resources, attachment, and delivery fees). Additional fees may be required for the purchase of support books.

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