There has been a recent change to the pre-requisites required for attending the ASA Level 2 Award in Coaching Open Water Swimming.
Previously it was necessary to hold an ASA Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Swimming or a 1st4Sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Triathlon however an ASA Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Aquatics (QCF or RQF) is now acceptable.
The open water coaching course is a Blended Learning programme which means that learners complete some units online prior to attending the 2 face-to-face practical dates. Learners will have access to the online learning before the first face to face date. The first date at Loughborough (Saturday 18 June) will be a simulated session in the pool, and a theory session. This should equip learners with the knowledge they will need to continue with the online learning, and in order to prepare for the second face to face date. This course should provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and techniques of coaching and enable the learner to effectively plan, prepare, deliver, monitor and evaluate theory and practical open water swimming sessions.
Second face-to-face venues and dates:
- Vobster Quay (30 July 2016, 8am – 6pm )
- Essex Trifarm (15 August 2016, 8am-6pm)
- Chichester Watersports (11 July 2016, 8am – 6pm)
- Holme Pierrepont National Watersports Centre (7 August 2016, 8am-6pm)
If you have any questions regarding this qualification, please don't hesitate to email helen.sansom@swimming.org or call 01509 640640.
Helen Sansom<
Customer Service Advisor South West, South East and Wales
IoS Training, SportPark, Pavilion 3, 3 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough University, LE11 3QF
Helen.sansom@swimming.org
01509 640 461
Frequently asked questions:
Will this qualify me for water safety as well?
No, this qualification will provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and techniques of coaching and enable the learner to effectively plan, prepare, deliver, monitor and evaluate theory and practical open water swimming sessions.
Will I need to go in the water?
Yes, you will need to go in the water so that you can be the 'learner' for your peers – alternatively you can bring a friend to go in in your place. You will coach from side, not in the water.
Will I be able to coach in the sea?
The qualification provides Level 2 swimming and triathlon coaches the specialist knowledge to deliver coaching sessions in any open water environment, raising the quality of delivery and ensuring the safe and effective practice in such a specialist area.
How many hours will the course take me to complete?
The Guided Learning Hours for this course is 50. Approximately 16 hours will be spent during the 2 face to face delivery dates and then a further 35 hours (approximately) of online learning and assessment through 3 workbooks and your lesson planning and evaluation etc.