Introduction to Swim Teacher and Student Wellbeing
It is a time like no other in our industry. Swim teacher shortages and drowning rates are devastatingly high. (1,2,3) Children’s learn to swim outcomes are declining with many children not achieving recommended benchmarks (4,5).
The factors involved are complex. Barriers include time and financial constraints, the pandemic, other access and equity barriers, and prior negative aquatic experiences. (5,6)
Stress and trauma is being experienced at unprecedented levels, further perpetuating the cycle of compounding negative experiences and building the layers of trauma. (7,9)
What Can We Do?
It is essential at such times as these, when so much might feel out of control and overwhelming, to take a moment to slow down and direct attention to wellbeing.
There is much that can be done at an individual level to help buffer against things outside one’s control.
Taking time to turn attention inward and increase self-awareness of one’s own needs, feelings and ways to find inner calm, peace and joy is an invaluable investment.
Personal Benefits
The benefits include increased capacity to weather the storms of life, increased self-regulation and stress management, decreased emotional reactivity, reduced risk of burnout, and of developing vicarious (secondary) trauma.
Trauma-Informed Training Modules - Limited Release (ends 31st March 2023)
Do you want to learn more about the essential topic of wellbeing and trauma-informed practice? Take a positive step forward in addressing current issues facing our industry and click here. You can also learn more about trauma informed aquatics, click here.
Purchase today and get 12 months access - option to purchase 1 module or 2 module pack here.
The need to develop a sense of agency in ourselves and others is needed now more than ever. This is in part what it means to become trauma-informed. (8)
What Can Swim Schools Do To Benefit
Swim school owners and managers can benefit personally from wellbeing practice and we encourage them to support their teachers to do the same. (9)
Swim teachers that priorities their own wellbeing and inner calm are better able to respond in trauma-informed ways to children’s needs in swim lessons
Author Janine Ramsey
Janine Ramsey is a WWSS Content Partner. She is an aquatics specialist and aquatic trauma therapist with over 40 years of professional experience in the aquatics industry. This includes swim school ownership and swim teaching for 25 years.
She is an international presenter and consultant to the aquatics industry. This includes a special focus on trauma-informed practice in aquatics. Janine collaborates with Blue Knot in the area of education on trauma-informed practice and volunteers on the crisis phone service with Lifeline. Learn more here.
Get started with our 2 pack limited release offer here. Available until 31st March 2023.
Purchase today and get 12 months access - option to purchase 1 module or 2 module pack here.
Read more about Trauma-Informed Aquatics here.