As a member of the International Federation of the Swimming Teachers Association (IFSTA), and after many discussions with our 26 affiliated countries, STA is pleased to offer both regulated qualifications and unregulated courses, allowing learners across the globe to gain the necessary training within the leisure industry. We are delighted to offer unregulated international training for swimming teaching, baby and pre-school teaching and pool lifeguarding, so you can do your job with confidence, no matter where you are.
What is the Difference Between Regulated Qualifications and Non-regulated Courses?
Regulated qualifications offer learners certificates which will bear logos from regulatory bodies in the UK, whilst the non-regulated courses created by STA, which although do not appear on the regulatory framework are developed using the same industry experts and standards. They too are professional courses with the same quality attached to them.
Is an Unregulated Course for Me?
Unregulated courses may be taken for those with employers who want trained staff in a specific area, but do not need to send their employees through a regulated programme. This is often the case with countries outside the UK who may not require UK regulated qualifications, especially where there are no specific entry requirements.
STA International Swimming Teacher
Provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills to teach swimming in a learn to swim environment.
STA International Baby and Pre-School Teacher
Provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills to teach babies to pre-schoolers in adult and child swimming lessons.
STA International Pool Lifeguard
Trains learners in pool rescue skills, CPR techniques, first aid and dealing with poolside emergencies.
STA International Lifesaving Course for Swimming Teachers
Trains learners in pool rescue skills, CPR techniques and aquatic first aid so they can act as a rescuer in an aquatic teaching environment.
STA International Open Water Coach
Provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills to coach open water swimming skills in an open water environment.
STA International First Aid
Trains learners in CPR techniques, first aid and dealing with first aid emergencies.
Tutor Unregulated Courses
In order to apply for international tutor status, applicants will need to complete the STA International Course Tutor Application Form, be occupationally competent and have practical experience in the course they are applying to tutor.
In order for a status to be granted, applicants must:
- Be a member of STA
- Hold the accepted end user qualification in the tutor status being applied for:
- STA Certificate in Teaching Swimming (or accepted equivalent)
- STA Award in Aquatic Teaching – Baby and Pre-School Swimming (or accepted equivalent)
- STA Award in Pool Lifeguarding (or accepted equivalent)
- STA Award in Safety Award for Teachers (or accepted equivalent)
- STA Award in Open Water Swimming Coaching (or accepted equivalent)
- STA Award in First Aid at Work (or accepted equivalent).
- Provide evidence of experience within tutor status being applied for:
- Provide a witness statement of practical teaching hours for non-swimmers through to advanced swimmers
- Provide a witness statement of practical teaching hours for baby and pre-school swimming lessons
- Provide a witness statement of acting / working as a pool lifeguard
- Provide a witness statement of lifesaving experience within an aquatic environment
- Provide a witness statement of practical coaching hours for open water swimming within an open water environment
- Provide a witness statement of first aid experience.
Tutors are required to submit a 1 hour video of delivery on their first course. The video will be moderated by the STA to ensure all procedures and expectations are met. STA reserves the right to remove any tutor status if procedures or standards are not fulfilled.
Upon approval, applicants will be set up to register and administrate unregulated courses via STA Online, with full guidance detailing the process.
Applicants must ensure they have the most up to date international course e-manual(s), available to purchase from the STA Swim-Shop.
Download International Tutor Application Form
Email the completed application form, copies of relevant qualification certificates and evidence of experience to unregulated@safetytrainingawards.co.uk.