Episode Summary
What are the essential skills you should be teaching your lesson managers? In this episode, we break down the criteria for an effective swim lesson manager and practical ways to train them.
Resources Mentioned
You can find detailed level description guides athttps://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/resources/. These guides outline the specific needs of each level and include guidance for lesson managers.
Also check out theTeaching Swimming Online Course and Workbookfor structured training materials.
Criteria for an Effective Swim Lesson Manager
- Know how to hold a child for supported front and back glides. Why is this so important? You need to enforce and teach others how to do it correctly.
Ways to Train Your Lesson Managers
Prove Mastery
Have managers demonstrate their understanding of key skills and concepts.
Information Dump and Gathering
Review the discussion questions from the Teaching Swimming workbook with an aquatic professional (found in the print version and PDF).
Management Training Sessions
Hold a dedicated training where the aquatic professional directs lesson managers in how to be a leader amongst their peers. Cover these key areas:
How to Run an Effective Meeting
- Have one main speaker.
- Avoid the "chime in" — stick to the agenda.
- Be clear with your objective. Stay on task without tangents. Treat teens as adults when it comes to learning.
- Engage as many people at the same time as possible.
- Use small groups with repetitive training exercises.
- Delegate leadership to trusted staff with specific tasks. Be clear in instruction, and be clear with expected feedback and actions. Example: "Run these scenarios, make sure everyone gets a turn, and ensure that everyone gets a chance to participate and get feedback. Focus specifically on this one thing."
How to Give Effective Feedback to Instructors
- Should you intervene in a lesson? Know when to step in and when to follow up.
- Follow up before and after the swim lesson.
- Provide training materials to support your feedback.
How to Organize Swim Classes
- What criteria do you use to group like-level swimmers?
- Consider location and program-specific routines.
How to Communicate with Parents
- Lean on your expertise. Remind managers that they are experts in this field — parents are not. They paid to send their kids to swim lessons.
- Talk to parents frequently. Meet them, introduce yourself, and follow up during the lesson.
- Give updates on what their specific swimmer is doing. Avoid generalities.
Mentor Your Managers
Guide and groom your managers. Check in on them regularly and make sure they understand you're there to support them and help them improve. You're both on a team — you're not there to punish them when they fail (and they will).
How Do You Make Sure They're Doing a Good Job?
Regular observation, feedback sessions, and open communication are key. Use the criteria above as a checklist and provide ongoing mentorship to build their confidence and skills.