Queenstown looks to drive recruitment of swim instructors

December 15, 2020

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has launched a recruitment drive for swim instructors to tackle a shortage of trained staff.

Advising that of increased demand for children’s learn-to-swim classes, QLDC Sport and Recreation Manager Simon Battrick stated "we need more instructors to deliver our full learn-to-swim programmes in Term 1 next year. So we are encouraging people who enjoy swimming and ideally have experience in working with children to apply for instructor roles that would see them shadowing trained staff over our school holiday programme and completing the AUSTSWIM training course.

"We will cover the cost of this internationally-recognised qualification, which is around $300, and support their ongoing professional development. These are skills that would remain useful throughout their working life."

With record levels of demand for classes, Battrick said people of any age could apply but the opportunity might appeal especially to high school students who can earn a competitive hourly rate, work in a fun and social environment that fits around other commitments, and gain a skill that could enable them to earn a living anywhere in the world.

He added "there will always be children wanting to learn to swim. When international travel begins again and young people look to take an ‘OE’ here’s a chance for them to prepare by gaining a teaching qualification that’s respected globally.

"It can set you up for life - even if you pursue other careers over time you can always rely on the professional and life skills you learn as a swim instructor," he said.

The Council’s Sport and Recreation department has produced a video featuring current swim instructors and pool lifeguards sharing their stories and explaining the benefits of working in the aquatics sector.

Click here for more details of the current vacancies on the Council’s dedicated careers webpage.

Main image: Queenstown Lakes District Counci's Alpine Aqualand facility.

4th December 2020 - AUSTSWIM offers 50% subsidised Swimming and Water Safety training in Victoria

1st December 2020 - Winners announced for 2020 National AUSTSWIM Awards of Excellence

25th November 2020 - AUSTSWIM announces record number of teachers of swimming and water safety

18th November 2020 - New Zealand tourism operators struggling with staffing

30th April 2020 - Queenstown-based tourism operators collaborate to survive COVID-19

18th April 2020 - Recreation Aotearoa Coronavirus resource includes advice on reducing aquatic centre operating costs during facility closures

14th February 2020 - Alpine Aqualand to reopen earlier than forecast

10th October 2019 - First all-female lifeguard team competes in Recreation Aotearoa Pool Lifeguard Competition

2nd September 2019 - Queenstown Lakes Council to heat Arrowtown Pool

8th June 2019 - Recreation Aotearoa releases aquatic facility design guide

31st May 2019 - ‘Insufficient ventilation’ behind roof corrosion and pool closure at Queenstown’s Alpine Aqualand

29th May 2019 - Wanaka Recreation Centre’s design captures international attention

2nd May 2019 - Wanaka Recreation Centre increases swim prices in line with Queenstown’s Alpine Aqualand

19th November 2018 - Queenstown’s Alpine Aqualand to close temporarily for maintenance

31st August 2018 - AUSTSWIM and Swimming New Zealand agree partnership aimed at providing single training qualification

12th August 2014 - Queenstown Lakes Council explores Wanaka pool options

26th September 2013 - Queenstown Lakes Council advances Wanaka Sports Facility

9th August 2011 - Water Safety New Zealand elected to AUSTSWIM

4th April 2011 - Austswim training launches in New Zealand

3rd February 2011 - Decision awaited on Wanaka’s sports complex

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