Once registered with the Institute, each member will receive a renewal notice one month before it is due and this can be paid online, by cheque or credit card.

Q. Can I teach above the level of my qualification?

The ASA and IoS encourage all clubs and swim schools to have appropriately qualified teachers and coaches covering all sessions but also recognises that from time to time both clubs and swim schools may have difficulty in finding volunteers with the appropriate qualifications (especially in the smaller disciplines). Therefore, providing the sessions are operated within the standard safety framework and in line with the procedures laid down by the pool operators, the insurance policy is valid.

Q. How do I gain further qualifications or update my current qualifications?

The ASA is committed to providing Continual Professional Development (CPD). For further information click here. This is also offered through the ASA Licensing Scheme details of which can be obtained here.

Q. Who do I contact if the Swimming Times magazine has not been received?

The Institute of Swimming membership team on 01509 618746 or Swimming Times on 01509 632230.

Q. What is the procedure if a member needs to make a claim?

In the event of making a claim a member needs to call the IoS office and explain the nature of the claim. A claim form will then be sent to the member (if applicable). This form then needs to be completed and returned to our brokers Perkins Slade Ltd (address on the form).

Q. Is a member insured to teach in his or her own private pool?

Yes, however the pool becomes public once you use it for the purpose of teaching.

Yes, if the duration of the trip is less than 6 months in any 12 month period. We advise that Perkins Slade (0121 6988050) should be contacted to confirm the details.

Q. During a lesson, is a teacher required to have a Qualified Lifeguard on duty?

If it is a programmed session whereby the teaching class is the only activity in the pool then teachers/coaches can provide the safety cover if they hold the appropriate ASA teaching qualification or equivalent as well as one of the following: • A current Lifesavers National Pool Lifeguard qualification or equivalent • The national rescue award for Swimming teachers and coaches • The rescue test for swimming teachers and coaches.

Q. What does a risk assessment involve and what are the safety factors?

A risk assessment involves identifying hazards, assessing the risks and indicating the methods required to control these hazards/risks where possible. Below you will find 6 safety factors: Pool design – blind spots, glare, reflection and noise; Depth; Water Quality – including pool temperature & clarity of water; Pool Organisation – Shared or sole use? Who has responsibility?; Staffing – Consider the qualification, skill, degree of support and number of teachers/coaches/lifeguards; Pupils and ability – age, ability range, any physical disabilities/learning difficulties, ability to comprehend instructions.

Q. What is the recommended teaching position when teaching a group of pupils?

In the situation where the teacher has responsibility for groups comprising more than two pupils the recommended teaching position is from the side of the pool as this provides the best position to oversee the whole group in terms of safety and to provide appropriate feedback on the performance of each person.

For details click here . Alternatively click on Teachers & Coaches, Useful Documents click on Health and Safety and finally click on Safe Supervision for Teaching and Coaching Swimming.

Q. Do all teachers and coaches have to be appropriately qualified?

They must have adequate skills and qualifications recognised by the ASA.

The ASA/IoS has no exact cut-off period for when you should stop teaching once you become pregnant. Once your teaching environment/situation changes then you should do another risk assessment, this will be the determining factor for the date you should cease teaching. Once a risk assessment deems that it is unsafe for you to continue then at that point you should reconsider carrying on.

IoS Swim Schools 

Q. What is the ASA Swim School Scheme?

It is a type of membership that enables the swim school to access the help, support and expertise of the National Governing body, building a real partnership that could help you fully develop your swim school to the best possible standard.

Membership is available to private and commercial swim schools and costs £50 per year for Aquamark accredited centres and £60 per year for all other swim schools. For details about Aquamark click here.

Q. What are the benefits of joining the ASA Swim School Scheme?

Access to help and advice from the ASA; 10% discount on mailing insert with Swimming Times; 10% discount when advertising in Swimming Times magazine; 5% discount on Swim GB products; Free access to resource material on the website and from the ASA Customer Services Department; Free Aquamark assessment (on purchase of the pack and meeting appropriate criteria;) 5% discount on ASA Awards (below 10,000 units); Right to use an ASA logo designating the School as an ASA Swim School Member; Free e-mail newsletter – In the Swim; Preferred rate insurance for the school through Perkins Slade; Free listing of the school on the British Swimming website.

Q. What is required in order to join the ASA Swim School Scheme?

To be eligible to join the ASA as a Swim School Member, your swim school must meet the following criteria: Provide written assurance you will comply with the ASA Code of Ethics and Child Protection procedures; Employ teachers who are members of the IoS or have their own adequate professional insurance to cover activities within the school.

Q. What is the difference between swim schools and ASA clubs?

ASA Clubs must register all swimmers and pay a fee for them individually; ASA Clubs are eligible to compete in ASA competitions; ASA Swim Schools are solely to teach individuals to swim and improve their skills.