How To Become an Instructor

As of Fall 2018, all SWAM Volunteers must have an up-to-date Police Background Check/ Vulnerable Sectors Check in order to complete an application!!! In Hamilton Police Background Checks can be obtained in person at 155 King William Street or online at http://www.policesolutions.ca/checks/services/hamilton/

2023-24 FALL Instructor Application Form: https://forms.gle/zzrPuGW7Ajw9EKFK8

SWAM instructors come from diverse backgrounds but all are dedicated McMaster University student volunteers. Our typical instructor recruitment periods are August-September and December-January. However, we are happy to look over applications at other times! If you are interested please email hamilton@swamcanada.ca directly. Please note that if you apply outside of the mentioned recruitment periods, our response may be slower than usual.

In addition to strong swimming skills, qualified applicants will have:

  • Current certifications (Red Cross or Lifesaving Society swim instructor certification)
  • Teaching experience (preferably, but not necessarily, swimming-related)
  • Experience working with children
  • Experience working with persons with disabilities

Instructor Testimonials

“I've always loved to teach swimming lessons, and SWAM gave me a way to keep doing that during my university career while making a ton of amazing friends (in both the swimmers and the instructors alike) at the same time!”
“I love the casual and comfortable environment that SWAM provides. We are a team who not only supports one another, but also the children and the families we meet. It is a time full of fun and learning for both the swimmers and the instructors.”
“I’m a fairly new instructor with SWAM and I love it. It’s a great way to help out the community and get to know some amazing kids. The people I work with are all so nice and helpful and between them and the enthusiastic kids every minute of it is a blast. There’s no feeling that compares to when one of the sweet kids gets excited because they learned a new skill or are doing something they love.”