A deck supervisor is a great asset to many swim schools. Especially when your office and administration staff are separate from the pool area. The deck supervisor is often the vital link between management, parents, teachers, lifeguards and community members. When properly trained, the deck supervisor provides quality control over the learn to swim program. They also ensure children are in the correct group and class levels and teachers provide quality lessons to customers.
Because deck supervisors have such diverse roles and responsibilities, ideally they require both teaching and administration experience. The deck supervisor is a great support to swimming teachers. They can facilitate communication with the parents who are often eager to discuss their child’s progress. Often, back-to-back lessons prohibit this discussion with the class teacher. Deck supervisors will need to be knowledgeable on all areas of the program, policies and procedures. This so that they can facilitate all communication within a swim school.
Employing a Deck Supervisor
When employing a deck supervisor, management should ensure that they select a person who is comfortable and capable of undertaking a leadership and human resources role. In fact AUSTSWIM has recently introduced a new qualification to service the skill set that is required for this role. Information about the AUSTSWIM Aquatic Service Officer course is on their website here.
This course is open to all current licensed AUSTSWIM Teachers of Swimming and Water Safety. On completion of the course requirements candidates will receive a Statement of Attainment from the Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package for the following units of competency:
- Provide customer service
- Work effectively in sport and recreation environments
- Undertake risk analysis of activities
Providing Professional Development
Providing professional development opportunities is essential to keep employees engaged with their job, provide quality services to customers and to ensure that the learn to swim industry is perceived as a professional field. Australia is leading the world in this arena with programs and facilities which are world renowned.
It’s exciting that today we are seeing more and more people taking up this occupation as a career rather than a part time job and pathway to establish another profession. Swimming is a way of life for Australians whether they are participating for professional sport or recreation. Swim school operators are in a unique position where their business is actually contributing to the health and safety of the Australian community.
The Learn to Swim Industry
The learn to swim industry has a huge responsibly to provide a professional service to the Australian community. Of particular concern is always ensuring the health and safety of those who are participating in the swimming lesson. The deck supervisor can assist plant management, lifeguards and teachers with their duties by overseeing safe and effective practices within the swim school.
In terms of business growth, the deck supervisor can assist with class retention by gathering feedback and manage complaints. The deck supervisor can also maintain quality control within the swim school by identifying areas where staff require additional support or training. So now is time to ask yourself this question again. Do you need a deck supervisor at your swim school? Perhaps another question to ponder is: “Am I using my deck supervisor to their full potential”?
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