Free training to become a swimming teacher, do work that matters
Published on: 11 June 2026In September, a new training course for swimming instructors will start in Alkmaar and Bergen. The course is offered free of charge by Alkmaar Sport and Holland Sport and offers participants a guarantee of a part-time job upon successful completion.
As a swimming instructor, you do work that really matters. You teach children to swim, help them step by step towards greater confidence in the water and contribute to their safety. A specific prior education is not required. However, it is important that participants are proficient swimmers, have a practical mindset, an affinity with water and are able to connect well with children.
A job with both satisfaction and enjoyment
Teaching swimming is more than just teaching technique. Swimming instructors guide children who sometimes find what they have to do daunting, encourage them with every new step and celebrate the moments when something goes off together. It is precisely this that makes the work varied and rewarding.
“We are looking for people who enjoy working with children and like doing practical tasks,” says Marcel Ruitenberg, who as site manager is responsible for the swimming pools at Alkmaar Sport. “You don't need a background in education or sport. The most important thing is that you enjoy the water, are confident and can guide children in a positive way. Then we'll teach you the rest.”
For career changers, returners and part-timers
The training programme focuses primarily on people who consciously choose a meaningful part-time job. “We are looking for people who are ready for a new challenge, want to return to work after a break or are looking for supplementary work at the weekend, for example,” explains Marcel Ruitenberg. Upon successfully completing the training programme, participants can work at Alkmaar Sport or Holland Sport, at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool, De Hout swimming pool, De Beeck swimming pool or Het Baafje swimming pool.
“Within Alkmaar Sport and Holland Sport, we provide swimming lessons to approximately 3,000 children every week and we are keen to continue doing this at a high standard. In addition, we are preparing for the new Hoornse Vaart Swimming and Sports Complex, which will also offer more space for swimming lessons. That is why we provide intensive guidance to trainees during their placement to become swimming instructors within our teams,” explains Marcel Ruitenberg.
More information
Marcel Ruitenberg concludes: “Get in touch with us and you can ask any questions you have. You are also always welcome to shadow us for a few hours to experience what the profession involves. Do you fancy it and do we hit it off with you? Then you might just become a new swimming instructor in our team.”
The training course starts on 7 September and consists of six Mondays of theory from 09:15 to 16:00, a work placement period at one of the swimming pools, a first aid course and a lifesaving module. More information can be found at www.alkmaarsport.nl/swimming instructor.
