With the demand for swimming lessons increasing, the nationwide shortage of swimming teachers, which was exasperated by the pandemic, is now at more than 6,200. Although the number needed has reduced since last summer thanks to new training opportunities from organisations like the Institute of Swimming, the problem is still a vast one.

The national governing body surveyed swimming pool operators, owners and swim schools and found more than four in five (84 per cent) are still struggling to meet the demand for swimming lessons – almost 12 months after pools reopened.

The Institute of Swimming, supported by Swim England, have recently introduced recruitment academies to reduce the financial barrier of training; working with pool owners and operators to provide and access to funding.

The academies now offer the chance to train to become a swimming teacher for just £79, with other funding opportunities also available.

Institute of Swimming managing director, Rebecca Cox, says the work done so far has had a ‘positive impact’, but there’s still a lot more to be done.

“It is important that we address the nationwide shortage of swimming teachers to prevent a generation missing out on the opportunity to learn to swim. We have started to break down the barriers through the launch of the recruitment academies which allow people to gain industry-leading qualifications at a reduced cost.

“This work has had a positive impact on the number of swimming teachers that are required. We are also working with the sector to increase the level of pay for swimming teachers, which will further help to both retain and recruit more people.”