This certificate develops the specialist skills needed to work as an open water coach and effectively and independently plan, prepare, deliver, monitor and evaluate a series of open water training sessions.

Blended learning is a more flexible approach where you complete the theory elements of the course online through eLearning and webinar sessions, this will also include the theoretical assessment. You will then attend the practical session at a lake.

Who is the course designed for?

Anyone who is a Swim England Swimming Coach or equivalent or holds the 1st4sport certificate in Coaching Triathlon and who wants to become an independent open water coach. Please ensure you read the pre requisite section of the course booking page before booking onto this course. If you are unsure if your qualification meets the pre requisite criteria please email [email protected].

Course delivery format

• 2 x Zoom webinars - During these sessions, the tutor will cover the remainder of your course theory, a venue orientation and planning for your practical delivery.
• Online learning - you will be given access to this after Zoom session 1. This must be completed 72 hours prior to attending your second Zoom session and will take you around 10 hours to complete.
• 2 x practical sessions - During these sessions you will prepare and deliver open water training sessions.

Course content

During this course you will learn about:

• The open water swimming environment
• Roles and responsibilities of an open water swimming coach
• The types of equipment needed for open water swimming
• The coaching positions for open water swimming
• Plan and deliver open water swimming activities
• Evaluating your own performance as an open water swimming coach
• Planning for professional development